Articles
Planting Green Roofs For Extreme Heat and Drought
Identifying plants that naturally adapt to heat and drought stress in any biogeographic region may be as simple as visiting a nature preserve. In this article learn how plants, native to glades, barrens and alvars may harbor a variety of species that thrive on green roofs with only marginal use of water. These “habitat templates” can inform which plants might survive extreme climate events (like El Ninos), even on green roofs.
Building Resilient and Green Futures With the European Union’s New Climate-Resilient Construction Guidance Document
Learn more about the European Commissions’ new guidance document on climate-resilient building practices and the multiple roles of green roofs and walls.
New Stormwater Market In Grand Rapids Will Contribute to A Healthier Rivers and More Climate Resilient City
The establishment of a market that allows the trading of stormwater credits is an innovative approach to improving stormwater management. Learn about the work of American Rivers to implement this new approach launched in 2013 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Harvesting the Future: Stormwater-Powered Living Walls
In the world of sustainable architecture, stormwater driven living walls are a revolutionary green building practice. Discover Enni Headquarters in Moers, Germany, with its remarkable 650 sqm living wall, ingeniously irrigated by harvested stormwater. Learn about the smart systems, underground reservoirs, and interdisciplinary collaborations making this green oasis a symbol of urban sustainability.
Østerbro Klimakvarter – The First Climate Adaptation Neighborhood in Denmark
A decade ago, the City of Copenhagen began redesigning neighborhoods, transforming them into climate adaptation projects, using community lead, integrated stormwater management approaches to cool cities, reduce flooding and provide amenity spaces. Learn about the design and performance of one of the first climate adapted neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
Exploring Innovations and Insights: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities' Upcoming Events
GRHC's upcoming events promise a thrilling journey towards sustainable urban living. From a cutting-edge Virtual Research Symposium to the bustling Grey to Green Conferences, discover the secrets to transforming concrete jungles into vibrant green oases.
Unlocking Stormwater Solutions: Case Study on Chicago Blue-Green Roofs
Discover how this Blue-Green Roof project combines detention and retention for superior results. Explore a real-world case study at Northwestern University, showcasing innovative solutions for water challenges while ensuring sustainability and building integrity. A must-read for urban planning enthusiasts and environmental advocates.
Water and the Systems that Drive Ecology
In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with educator and research Dr. Olyssa Starry Ph.D. to discuss the part water plays in urban ecology and the physical chemistry of plants and how this can affect the achievement of sustainability goals.
Engineering Green Roofs to Manage Stormwater and Save Money: A Case Study
Learn about the green roofs in Toronto that manage stormwater and achieve multiple sustainability goals. By upgrading to biodiverse green roofs, the design team exceeded water balance targets, reducing storage needs and earning financial incentives, showcasing how green roofs can benefit both the environment and finances in urban development.
Residential Green Roofing, a Growing Trend
This article explores some of the trends in the uptick of residential green roof construction, such as stormwater management, aesthetics and the need for insulation. Explore innovative projects, including a remarkable example in Hood River, Oregon, and the University of Miami's high-wind-resistant green roofs, revolutionizing modern residential construction.
The Scandinavian Green Roof Institute
Since 2001 the Scandinavian Green Roof Institute has worked to advance blue-green infrastructure, with an integrated approach to stormwater management protecting the eco-city of Augustenborg from a 4.75 inch rainfall in six hours. Learn more about the Institute’s services and accomplishments.
Advancing Green Roofs: Latest Training, Policy Guide, and Events Update
Discover cutting-edge green roof training, policy guides, and water-focused courses at the Living Architecture Academy. Get 20% off water-related content until October 31st. Explore upcoming conferences and meet emerging professionals in green roof research.
Five Reasons to Incorporate Biodiversity into Your Green Infrastructure Designs and How To Begin Doing It
Discover the importance of biodiversity and how to reconnect with it in your living architecture projects. Learn practical steps to incorporate biodiversity and enhance the value of your designs for a sustainable future.
Designing Green Roofs for Dragonflies
Discover how to design biodiverse green roofs that attract and support dragonflies. Learn about the importance of water, stones, and flowering plants in creating dragonfly habitats on green roofs. Explore case studies and expert insights.
Replicating Ecologies with Dusty Gedge
This episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with noted ecologist Dusty Gedge, president of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations, to discuss fostering biodiversity through urban naturalization, developments in bio-solar technologies, and his background as a lifelong birder. Join us for a conversation on his life as a passionate bird watcher, his career advocating for biodiverse green infrastructure, and the imperative of addressing the climate crisis for future generations.
The Center for Sustainable Landscapes – An Ecological Showpiece in Pittsburgh
Discover the Center for Sustainable Landscapes, a remarkable ecological masterpiece in Pittsburgh's Schenley Park. Learn about its green certifications, net-zero energy, and water goals. Explore the collaborative creation, ecosystem enhancement, and context incorporation that make it a sustainable marvel.
Designing and Maintaining Living Walls To Boost Biodiversity
As our world continues to urbanize with the use of hard building materials we jeopardize the ecosystems which put our natural resources and food systems at risk. The very real consequences of modern urbanization have a great impact on our local ecology, specifically our diminishing pollinator populations. Learn how to design exterior living walls so they can provide support for pollinators.
A Living Architecture Performance Tool Certified Platinum Project- John Ball Zoo's Meerkat Exhibit Exemplifies High-Performance
Learn the details about how the John Ball Zoo’s new meerkat habitat exhibit earned Platinum Certification under the Living Architecture Performance Tool rating system.
Apps and Software Revolutionizing Biodiversity Monitoring and Climate Advocacy
Discover the best apps and software revolutionizing biodiversity monitoring and climate advocacy. From iNaturalist to Google Lens, these tools help you to identify species, track bird activities, and even monitor coral reef health. Contribute to conservation efforts and connect with nature using these innovative technologies.
The Migratory Bird’s-Eye View of Green Roofs - Designing Rooftops for Birds
Discover how green roofs are becoming vital havens for migratory birds in urban environments, offering habitat and protection from deadly collisions with glass. Learn how these innovative rooftops are transforming cities into crucial refueling stations for bird species