Businesses team up for model green roof template

22 businesses in Alberta, Canada, have teamed up to produce a 3,000-square-foot demonstration project: the Alberta Eco-Roof Initiative, reports Canada.com

The demonstration project is significant for Australia, as the Alberta local climate is “semi-arid, almost desert-like, with lots of chinooks and a significant amount of precipitation from thunderstorms,” according to building manager Dave McKillop.

The project will look at:

• plant species and substrate depth and type

• stormwater retention and runoff quality

• thermal performance and energy efficiency

The project’s partners all signed on for different reasons: some are interested in climate change; some want to reduce heating and drainage costs; others are interested in biodiversity.

“Part of our dream is that if someone has an interest in this, we can give them our template,” said McKillop.

We will keep subscribers posted on development and outcomes of this project.