Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/1533240
M A R C H 2 0 2 5 | 45 Green Roofs & Walls P H OTO G R A P H Y CO U RT E S Y ZI N CO C A N A DA ; RC A B C Green roofs and walls are sprouting change, transforming built environments everywhere by NATALIE BRUCKNER G reen roofs and walls are steadily taking root in urban design, offering a pivotal solution to miti- gating the environmental impact of the built environment. As sus- tainability drives architectural innovation, these living systems are reshaping urban landscapes and advancing beyond mere trends. The year 2024 marked a major turning point in this evolution. On November 1, the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) launched the RoofStar Vegetated Roof Guarantee – a first-of-its-kind quality control and quality assurance program for green roofs. This groundbreaking initiative sets a new standard in the roofing industry, raising the bar for green roof installation. Developed in partnership with green roof man- ufacturers, the RoofStar Vegetated Roof Guarantee underscores RCABC's dedication to elevating indus- try standards, ensuring consumer protection, and fostering trust in this rapidly advancing field. "We're very proud that RCABC is setting a new gold standard in the roofing industry when it comes to providing consumer protection for green roof installation. We're not only offering peace of mind to building owners; we're also training the next gener- ation of vegetated roof contractors, equipping them with the latest tools and techniques in this emerg- ing sector of our industry," says Bryan Wallner, CEO of RCABC. Built on the same core principles that have made RCABC's RoofStar Guarantee a success, the RoofStar Vegetated Roof Guarantee program is led by an indus- try-first standard, developed collaboratively with experts in green roof design, manufacturing, con- struction, and maintenance. Qualifying green roofs must be built by trained, qualified RCABC member contractors using RCABC-accepted systems and inde- pendently reviewed by qualified quality assurance observers. The program also includes mandatory maintenance of vegetated roofs, provided by RCABC members and pre-paid by building owners. "We want to change perceptions about green roofs and show that they can flourish, endure, and function worry-free," says James Klassen, technical advisor for RCABC. "Efforts to educate policymakers and the design community have been good, but they lacked the 'show me that it works' element. Our new program will demonstrate that well-designed, pro- fessionally built, and properly managed green roofs can be reliable." Deep Roots Ontario's steepest sloped green roof, LiUNA Headquarters, Woodbridge, ON. A demonstration plot from the roof of RCABC's roofing school training facility.