Issues

Extensive green roofs present a potentially novel approach to wildfire resilience, functioning as ember-resistant surfaces that can disrupt fire propagation. By elevating defensible space principles to the roof level, green roofs could offer a scalable strategy for mitigating wildfire risk.

Learn about this free multidisciplinary guide by the World Green Infrastructure Network, the European Federation of Green Roof Associations, GRHC and Solar Power Europe. It is about designing, installing, and maintaining solar green roof projects with best practices, along with multiple case studies and supportive public policies.

This article provides an overview of the many ways that green (living) walls can help cities mitigate and adapt to climate change challenges. This includes energy savings in buildings, a reduction in the urban heat island, and stormwater management.

The origins, function, strengths and weaknesses of the Green Roof Energy Calculator are described in detail as well as the wish list for its future development.

How to overcome the shock doctrine, manage stress, and flourish during chaotic political times. These approaches promote well-being while fostering resilience and positive change.

Wildlife are always on the lookout for food, water, clean air, shelter, or rest. Insects are integral to the global food web, and green roofs can provide for the food needs of wildlife. In this article, four strategies are discussed to feed and support insects on green roofs. 

Vertical farming offers a climate-resilient approach to food production by using controlled environments to grow crops efficiently with less land and water. Despite challenges like high energy costs, its potential for food security and urban integration is rapidly expanding.

Blackwood Skyfarm at POST Houston is a pioneering 1-acre rooftop farm that enhances urban agriculture, promotes biodiversity, and fosters community education. Open daily, it offers workshops, volunteer programs, and a farmers market, serving as a model for sustainable rooftop farming.

This article explores how cities like Portland can achieve Project Drawdown’s 9% green roof coverage target by 2050 through innovative economic strategies, public-private partnerships, and workforce development. Scaling green roofs transforms urban infrastructure, delivers climate benefits, and generates local jobs while addressing market limitations and the climate crisis.

Pathfinder 3.0, the latest update to Climate Positive Design's LCA tool, helps designers measure project impacts with expanded carbon datasets, biodiversity and water use analysis, and equity assessments. With enhanced features like GIS integration and project scorecards, it empowers sustainable, climate-forward design for spaces beyond buildings.

Explore Taiwan's pioneering Life Cycle Carbon Database for landscaping (L-LCC), integrating embodied carbon and construction emissions analysis. Discover how this innovative system aligns with global net-zero goals by enabling sustainable design and reducing carbon footprints in urban landscapes.

Discover how extensive green roofs at The Parks at Walter Reed in Washington, D.C., mitigate stormwater runoff, enhance urban sustainability, and provide aesthetic and environmental benefits. Featuring LEED® Gold-certified designs and advanced roofing technologies, this project sets a benchmark for green infrastructure in urban redevelopment.

Soprema has been a pioneer in green roof innovation for over 30 years, shaping the North American industry through research, demonstration projects, and policy advocacy. From launching SOPRANATURE in France to developing cold-climate green roofs in Quebec, Soprema’s work has won award-winning projects.

Explore ways you may receive the most health and well-being benefits of your time in living architecture and natural green spaces, and learn about outstanding projects that can deliver these health benefits.

Explore how biophilic design reduces stress, improves recovery times, and enhances well-being. Studies reveal that exposure to real or simulated nature benefits patients, workers, and students by lowering blood pressure, heart rate, and enhancing cognitive function.

Toronto is leading the way in green infrastructure, integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning. From green roofs to the Green Streets Program, the city’s innovative policies enhance climate resilience and improve community well-being, setting a model for sustainable urban development.

Climate change intensifies storms, overwhelming stormwater infrastructure, causing flooding, property damage, and loss of life. Solutions include green and blue roofs, and "sponge cities" to improve stormwater management.

As Toronto co-hosts the 20th Anniversary of CitiesAlive in November, this article chronicles the early policy steps taken by the City to mandate and incentivize green roofs, now covering more than 10 million sf of roof area. 

This article highlights the significance of water on biodiverse green roofs. Designing a green roof for Berry Architecture, Pohl emphasizes the transformative power of water features, contributing to urban biodiversity while requiring minimal maintenance.

Founded in 2005, Skyland USA pioneered green roof soil products, adapting to industry demands over 20 years. With innovative blends and strategic partnerships, they've installed 30 million square feet nationwide, catalyzing the growth of green infrastructure in the US.

This article begins to make the case for increased public policy and private investment on a wide range of approaches to producing food in our urban environments in the face of climate change threats to food security. 

Rooftops can provide an abundance of produce to fight food insecurity and support biodiversity too. Check out the new rooftop Orchard and Food Forest at Javits Farm in New York City. 

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with microbiologist and Columbia University Professor Emeritus Dr. Dickson Despommier to discuss his pioneering work and thought leadership on vertical farming.

Bird populations are an indicator of ecosystem health. Birds are in decline worldwide primarily due to the destruction and degradation of their habitat by humans. By design, green roofs can be planted to feed and shelter birds. This article reviews how green roofs have been planted to recover habitats for feeding birds.