Chicago Tops North America for Most Green Roof Installed

Toronto, Canada – May 20, 2009 – Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the green roof industry association is pleased to announce the results from its Fourth Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members completed green roof projects in 2008. The survey indicates a US growth rate of more than 35 per cent over 2007, representing more than 3.1 million square feet installed in 2008.

“The green roof industry continues to grow rapidly in response to the pressing need for cleaner air, better storm water management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing more usable green spaces in our communities.” said Steven W. Peck, Founder and President, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “The diversity of projects, policies and research at our Annual conference this June 3-5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia is a testament to the rapid expansion of our industry.” He added.

“Growing public policy support for green roofs at the local level is continuing to fuel the growth of green roof job creation in 2009.” added Peter Lowitt, Chair, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.

Image Via Inhabitat
The City of Chicago, which has numerous policies in place to support green roofs and urban greening, implemented the most square feet of green roofs in 2008 of any city, followed closely by Washington, DC and New York City. New York State passed a tax abatement measure in 2008 that will provide up to $100,000 per green roof to improve stormwater management and reduce the urban heat island.

Top Ten Metropolitan Area – Green Roof Square Footage Installed, 2008

City, State	Square Footage
Chicago, Illinois	534,507
Washington D.C.	501,042
New York New York	358,986
Vancouver British Columbia	320,000
Philadelphia Pennsylvania	196,820
Baltimore Maryland	150,032
Montreal Quebec	75,700
Grand Rapids Michigan	74,784
Princeton New Jersey	56,250
Newtown Square Pennsylvania	48,130