Green Roof Industry Reports 80% Growth

The area of green roofs in the U.S. grew by 80%—from 27 acres (11 ha) to 49 acres (20 ha)—from 2004 to 2005, according to the nonprofit Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC). The area of green roofs in all of North America grew 72%—from 30 acres (12 ha) to 57 acres (23 ha). Chicago is leading the pack with a total of 183,000 ft² (17,000 m²) of green roofs, more than 63,000 ft² (5,800 m²)

more than runner-up Ottawa. The figures are based on a survey of GRHC corporate members, who were recently asked to report on their activities in both years. Because not all members returned surveys and because GRHC members do not represent the entire green roof industry, the figures are lower than the real area. (Chicago’s Department of Environment Commissioner Sadhu Johnston told

EBN that over 200 green roofs totaling 2.5 million ft² [230,000 m²] are under construction in the city.) The full results are online at www.greenroofs.org.