Our Nation’s Capital leading the fight against the climate change

 Walkspan on Climate Change

Green roofs help combat climate change and what better place to install them (whenever and wherever possible) than in our building height-restricted Washington DC. Our nation’s capital can set an example on how to combat climate change and its repercussions such as urban heat island effects and intense heat waves. Heat islands are concentrations of buildings, paved areas, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat.

There are challenges associated with installing green roofs on existing buildings due to the extra weight (as much as 35 pounds per square foot). Green roofs work best on old concrete or masonry-framed buildings, while lighter-gauge framing typically cannot handle the additional load (Gilette,2017). Currently, however, new solutions have been developed to install green roofs on existing buildings such as lightweight tray roof systems that come pre-grown. Before considering any green roof retrofit, it is always a good idea to confirm loading requirements from a structural engineer. The undertaking is still worth a try as a green roof system generally runs around 20 dollars per square foot—a small price to pay to combat climate change, provide wildlife habitat, manage stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and save energy.

Bernardita Calinao is an Environmental Planner and certified sustainable building adviser. She is the Founder and CEO of Walkspan, a data-driven and location intelligence technology dedicated to advancing walkability and urban livability on a global scale.

Bernardita Calinao, PhD

Founder and CEO