Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2012 - (Page 7)

LEFT: Vanessa Keitges Image provided by: Columbia Green several years, or even longer in some cases. Vanessa: Lack of industry performances standards. Systems are being cobbled together by product manufacturers that do not understand green roof systems, simply to jump on the bandwagon. Also, lack of significant, proven academicbased independent documentation that can be used to understand the true construction and specification requirements needed to provide a long-term healthy, thriving vegetative roof assembly. Q: HOw DO wE LEARN FROM THESE FAILURES? HOw DO wE MOVE FORwARD? Angie: We listen to the building occupants who observe the roof over the course of seasons and years. It’s been fun to talk MIDDLE: David Yocca Image provided by: David Yocca RIGHT: Angie Durhman Image provided by: Angie Durhman to those who see their roof every day, and over time can predict what will happen at the change of seasons. They know their roof’s microclimate better than anyone else. Those of us who are on roofs every day, across the country, have a good sense of what works, and doesn’t, and can predict microclimates and plan accordingly. David: The potential benefits of green roofs are absolutely enormous. The important lessons we have (and continue to) learn is the importance of initial communication and design dialogue as part of an integrated, collaborative process—also, clearly establishing maintenance and operations up-front during this process is important as well. Vanessa: As a system manufacturer/supplier, the way you learn is not to run from your mistakes, but to work with all those involved and address them as soon as they come up. Often we find getting to the problem sooner is a huge advantage in eliminating or mitigating it in a cost effective and timely manner. Jennifer Foden Wilson is the editor of the Living Architecture Monitor magazine. FEEDBACK We want to hear your thoughts on green roof failure. Give us your feedback at www.livingarchitecturemonitor.com FIND OUT MORE Read the full interview at www. livingarchitecturemonitor.com http://www.livingarchitecturemonitor.com http://www.livingarchitecturemonitor.com http://www.sopranature.ca http://www.sopranature.ca

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2012

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2012
Contents
From the Founder
Letter From the Editor
The World’s First Bio-Façade Ready to Grow
Save the Dates for the Greenroofs & Walls of the World™ Virtual Summit 2013
On the Roof With…
Policy and Standards
Current Research
Leadership
Product
Plant
Project
2012 Awards of Excellence
New Corporate Members
Professional Calendar
GRHC Buyer’s Guide
On Spec

Green Roofs - Living Architecture Monitor - Fall 2012