The independent survey was conducted of members of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a non-profit industry association whose mission is to increase the development of the green roof industry across North America
The survey asked member-companies to report on their completed 2004 and 2005 green roof projects in North America. Results indicate a 72% growth in green roof square footage across North America between 2004 and 2005, and over 80% growth in the United States.
North American green roof infrastructure implementation increased from 1.3 million square feet in 2004 to 2.5 million square feet in 2005.
“We’re very excited to see the actual growth numbers which match the huge increase in green roof interest our association members see on a daily basis,” says Steven Peck, Founder & President of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “We anticipate even greater growth in the future.”
The top ten cities by square footage planted in 2005 are as follows: Chicago, Washington DC; Suitland, MD; Ashburn, VA; New York, Culpepper, VA; Austin, TX; Arlington, VA; Des Moines, IA and Ottawa, ON.
“Given their many public benefits, more and more cities, states and utilities are developing policies that support widespread green roof implementation”, said Peter Lowitt, Chairman of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.
