Vancouver To Develop Green Roof Policy
By AINSLIE CRUICKSHANK StarMetro Vancouver
July 25, 2018
VANCOUVER—The City of Vancouver is moving forward with the development of a green roof policy that could require some new buildings to include rooftop grasses or gardens.
On Thursday evening council voted in support of a motion put forward by Councillor Adriane Carr that noted several benefits of green roofs.
The living roof on the Cactus Club restaurant in Vancouver's Coal Harbour. (PERRIN GRAUER / STAR METRO VANCOUVER)
Green roofs — roofs that are partially or entirely covered by vegetation — can absorb rain, thereby helping to reduce combined sewage overflows. They can also absorb greenhouse gasses, helping to mitigate climate change and clean the air of pollutants.
Carr amended her initial motion Wednesday to clarify that staff should develop a green roof policy in consultation with industry and the community after the Urban Development Institute raised concerns that developers had not been consulted.
In a letter to council the institute, which represents 850 members in the real estate development and planning industry, cited concerns about industry capacity given other green building initiatives already in place and added costs to construction.
On Wednesday, Carr clarified that “the process hasn’t started, this is the beginning of the process” and any policies would be developed in consultation with industry.
Ron Schweiger, the principal of Architek who has extensive experience with green roofs spoke before the standing committee considering the motion.
“Green roofs are more than just sedum and grass,” he said.
While the roofs may carry an added expense to install, those costs are easily recouped, he said, adding that in his opinion Vancouver can’t afford not to require green roofs.
Particularly relevant during Vancouver’s current heat wave, he added green roofs can help mitigate the effect of urban “heat islands.”
Concerns were raised however about making green roofs mandatory. City staff said their analysis would examine the need for possible exemptions and costs.
Ainslie Cruickshank is a Vancouver-based reporter covering the environment. Follow her on Twitter: @ainscruickshank
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