Announcing The Chicago Grey to Green Green Infrastructure Conference and Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional Training June 11-12, 2026
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is pleased to announce that it is hosting a regional Grey to Green Conference in Chicago, Illinois, taking place June 12, 2026, at the Omni Ecosystems Head Quarters. This event will bring together architects, landscape architects, developers, researchers, policymakers, and green infrastructure professionals. It includes one day of hands-on Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional training (June 11th) , followed by expert presentations, and industry networking on June 12. Learn more about the training and conference here, and you can register here. The Chicago Grey to Green Conference is presented by W.R. Meadows.
One day prior to the conference, on June 11th, there will be a Green Roof Installation & Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training session, a full-day intensive program designed for professionals seeking practical expertise in green roof systems. Participants will receive four hours of classroom instruction, four hours of hands-on installation demonstrations featuring multiple green roof systems, lunch, a downloadable digital resource manual, one GRIMP exam attempt, and one year of complimentary Green Roofs for Healthy Cities individual membership for only $495.00. Space is limited so book early.
Hosted on June 12, the Chicago Grey to Green Conference will feature a full day of presentations and discussions focused on the latest innovations in green infrastructure design, climate resilience, biodiversity, and urban sustainability. Attendees can earn up to seven continuing education credits while engaging with leading voices in the industry. Enjoy learning from our exhibitors. Registration fees, which include lunch and refreshments are only $149 USD for GRHC members and $199 USD for nonmembers.
Featured presentations include:
From Rhubarb to Rewilding: Two Decades of Delightful Surprises on Omni Green Roofs by Michael “Bukka” Davenport, GRP, Director of Technical Support, Omni Ecosystems
The Unseen World of Microbes in Green Infrastructure by Michael Repkin, Director of Research and Development, Omni Ecosystems
Elevated Opportunity: Urban Rooftops for Biodiversity by Lydia Link, Build Shop Manager, Urban Ecology Specialist, Studio Gang
Cities That Heal: How Living Green Infrastructure Can Restore Health, Nature, and Economic Vitality by David Yocca, AICP, FASLA, GRP, LEED AP, Director of Green Infrastructure, Blacks in Green
Designing Connection: Green Infrastructure and the Transformation of the Chicago River Edge by Stan Szwalek, Principal, Hoerr Schaudt
Making Green Roofs and Walls Pay, by Eric Durnford, General Manager, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.
Registration is now open. Learn more and register for GRIMP Training and the Grey to Green Conference here. The conference and GRIMP training will take place at: 4131 S State St, Chicago, IL.
Thank you to our sponsors and exhibitors: W. R. Meadows, Omni Ecosystems and rooflite.
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Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional industry association working to grow the green roof and wall industry throughout North America since 1999. Our mission is to develop and protect the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence.
We publish The Living Architecture Monitor quarterly online magazine where industry leaders share their insights and expertise. These articles increase awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, walls and other forms of living architecture.
We also offer free access to The Living Architecture Academy, an online professional development platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices across a wide range of green infrastructure topics. The LAA offers short lectures and multi-day courses such as: Green Roof Professional Training, Introduction to Green Walls, Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance, and more.
We also publish the Green Pages: Industry Green Roof and Wall Directory which is designed to support you with your living architecture projects by providing a list of trusted manufacturers, suppliers of accessories, green walls, nurseries, and certified Green Roof Professionals (GRPs). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, this directory has everything you need to find support to create a sustainable and beautiful living space.
From the Living Architecture Monitor
