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M A R C H 2 0 2 4 | 31 Green Roofs & Walls P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y L I V ERO O F O N TA R I O Highlighting the evolving landscape, Govers emphasizes the rising interest in blue-green roof systems like RoofBlue RETAIN, which offers a remarkable 25 percent increase in stormwater retention compared to older systems. Outside the GTA, "buildings, particularly in places like downtown Hamilton, London, and Kitchener/ Waterloo, are scaling up from 20-storey structures to tower- ing 40-storey buildings with expansive podiums. Combined with the cost of development lands, this shift drastically alters the dynamics of stormwater management on-site," he says. Biodiversity emerges as a pivotal focus, with Govers stressing the importance of "getting it right." He underscores that a biodiverse green roof should support a wide array of species beyond just pollinators. In addition to nurturing diverse plant communities, encouraging naturally occurring species – such as beetles, bugs, and various plant-eating larvae – is crucial, as these serve as vital high- protein and high-fat food sources for birds. Interestingly, Govers points out that while hives of non-native honeybees may seem beneficial, they can hinder the establishment of native bees and other pollinator populations on vegetated roofs accessible to those pollinators, because of competition for food resources. Looking ahead, Govers is enthusiastic for upcoming projects and the diverse range of systems offered by LiveRoof. He is looking forward to the completion of George Brown College's Limberlost Place, a mass timber high-rise, where a LiveRoof Biodiverse green roof is schedule to be installed in spring 2024. ENHANCING BUILDING HEALTH Over the past year, Sean Ludchen, director of sales at New Earth Solutions, has witnessed substantial improvements in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, alongside a focus on improving the health of buildings. These developments have spurred significant leaps forward in the industry, notably enhancing indoor air quality. New Earth Solutions continues to make significant strides in the living wall market, and one system in particular is gaining traction: the Respira Pro sys- tem. This cutting-edge technology uses a unique biological air filtration method for the efficient removal of indoor air contaminants and achieves an impressive 97 percent removal rate of volatile organic compounds. "In a commercial setting we can integrate the living wall into the HVAC system and reduce the amount of ventilation required in a building by up to 47 percent. We can now finally quantify the ROI on living walls and provide a product where the value meets the price," says Ludchen. In Ontario, New Earth Solutions recently finalized two impressive multi-sto- rey living walls at the University of Windsor. These living walls, fully integrated into the HVAC system, boast significant dimensions – one measuring 36-feet tall by 36-feet wide, while the other spans 32 feet by 20 feet. Sean Ludchen highlights, "We're strategically pulling air through the system to minimize the necessary air changes." This integration showcases an innovative approach to air management and quality within these structures." RoofBlue RETAIN blue-green roof system installation. . ENGINEERED GREEN ROOF ASSEMBLIES FOR Storm Water Management . Solar Power Generation . Roof Amenity Space . Parking Decks . Urban Architecture Foot Print Restoration . Low Maintenance Vegetated Roofs 905.690.1661 WWW.ZINCO.CA ZinCo Canada Inc. LEADING EDGE GREEN ROOF TECHNOLOGY 124 Queen Hotel & Spa - Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON Microsoft Head Office - Vancouver, BC Lions Bay Residence - Lions Bay, BC Zinco Canada.indd 1 Zinco Canada.indd 1 2024-03-07 10:05 AM 2024-03-07 10:05 AM

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