BCIT: Green roof
Fri, September 10 2004

Toronto City Hall
Semi extensive green roof plot at Toronto City Hall
B.C. Institute of Technology is co-hosting a day-long introductory training course on green roof infrastructure design. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American trade association for the green roof industry, is bringing its Green Roof Design 101 course to Vancouver on Sept. 16. The course is being co-hosted by BCIT School of Construction and the Environment's Green Roof Research Facility.

The course will focus on the tools and techniques needed to meet green roof project objectives on schedule, to specification and within budget. The session will be of particular interest to architects, landscape architects, engineers, planners, roofing consultants and roofing contractors, horticulturists, developers and policy makers. Those accumulating AIA, RCI, or ASLA credits or professional development hours for application toward local and regional associations or for licence renewal can acquire 7.5 credits by enrolling in this course.

The course is being led by architect Patrick Carey who has established himself and his architectural firm as experts in residential green roof design. Carey is considered a pioneer in the residential green roof industry.

Green roofs differ from rooftop gardens or container gardens, as they are an extension of the actual roof. This extension is created by using a specially-designed root repelling membrane, a drainage system, a lightweight growing medium, and plants appropriate for the size and depth of the green roof.

Green roofs assist in stormwater management (through retention and filtration), water and air quality improvement, smog and noise reduction, and building envelope energy efficiency. In addition, they increase the life expectancy of roof membranes and create opportunities for urban agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

The Vancouver Green Roof Design 101 course is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 16, at BCIT's Downtown Campus, Room 282/284, 555 Seymour St. Details and registration are available at: www.greenroofs.org. BCIT staff and students receive a discount on the course fee.

For more information, contact Hazel Farley, Director of Market Development and Training, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, (416) 971-4494, ext. 221, or hfarley@greenroofs.org.