Plant Services - August 2007 - (Page 40) MANAGEMENT Engineering 65% to 70% and are getting much closer to pre-Covanta disposal costs,” despite increased production. Increase green space Green roofs transform traditionally bland and unattractive surfaces into lush green space, while protecting the roof membrane, reducing heating and cooling requirements, and reducing insulation and roof drain requirements. Roof gardens also absorb rainwater and carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, are quieter, and can be expected to last twice as long as a conventional roof. Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the North American green roof industry association, calculates that 3 million sq. ft. of green roofs were installed in 2006 and the growth rate is increasing. Perhaps the world’s largest green roof is at the Ford Rouge truck plant in Dearborn, Mich. Ford Motor Company had the 10.4 acre “living” roof installed at the assembly plant with drought-resistant perennial groundcover that is virtually maintenance-free. e EPA estimates the up-front cost of an extensive green roof in the U.S. starts at about $8 per sq. ft., including materials, preparation work, and installation. In contrast, tra- ditional built-up roof costs start at about $1.25 and cool roof membranes start at approximately $1.50 per sq. ft. Green roof costs are lower in countries like Germany that have more experience, less customization and a greater supply of contractors. Although upfront costs might be high, green roofs generate ROI. Matt Carr, product manager at American Hydrotech says, “Most buildings will realize a one-third savings in heating and cooling costs after a green roof is installed. In energy cost savings alone, they should pay for themselves in six or seven years.” e roofs last much longer than typical black asphalt and, depending on the vegetation used, require minimal maintenance. To help quantify the benefits, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities offers a Life-Cycle Cost Benefit Calculator. Remove toxins Products that contain or emit toxins necessitate specific handling with costly maintenance and disposal requirements. For instance, hexavalent chromium coatings and lead-acid batteries can be hazardous to human health and the environment. e potential to alleviate risks to employee, community, consumer and ecological health must be considered in the overall fi nancial equation, even The Original Blue Pipe for Compressed Air Energy Efficien t Modular Desig n Simple Installat i o n Lower Install Co st Push-to-Conne ct Completely Reus a b l e No Corrosion Available in 1/2” - 4 ” 7205 E. Hampton Ave. 40 Mesa, AZ 85209 Phone: 480-830-7764 www.transair-usa.com .PLANTSERVICES. A http://www.transair-usa.com http://www.transair-usa.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com
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