Greenbacks From Green Roofs: Forging A New Industry In Canada

<br /><br /> <br /><br /> "Finding practical and effective ways to implement sustainable development remains a significant challenge in our cities and smaller communities. Degraded air and water quality, climate change and chronic unemployment are all symptoms of unsustainable development. One way of achieving more sustainable forms of development in our cities is through an increase in the diffusion of green roof and vertical garden technologies on the roofs and walls of residential, institutional, industrial and commercial buildings throughout Canada. <br /><br /> Green roof and vertical garden technologies offer numerous economic, social and environmental benefits such as operational cost savings, greenhouse gas emission reduction, adaptation to climate change, air quality improvements, stormwater retention, water quality and quantity improvement, habitat provision, food production, employment opportunities, recreational opportunities and improved aesthetics. Despite these benefits and the widespread market penetration of green roofs in countries throughout Europe, the use of these technologies in Canada and North America remains in its infancy.<br /><br /> Green roof and vertical garden&nbsp; technologies are very well established in many countries throughout Europe, yet remain in their infancy in Canada. This report provides a comprehensive review of the quantitative&nbsp; and qualitative benefits of green roof and vertical garden technologies and argues that most of these benefits are not represented in the current market. The major barriers to&nbsp; the more rapid diffusion of these sustainable development. technologies are described&nbsp; and a number of initiatives are proposed to encourage the development of Canadian markets, including government policy and program support."<br /><br /> <br /><br />