Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/493534
A PR IL 2015 | 33 Green Roof Systems PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY VERTICAL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS; ARCHITEK A s green roofs increasingly dominate the skylines of even the most conserva- tive Canadian towns, their benefits become well known to one and all: they provide better air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve storm- water management and offer long-term economic advantages. Environmentally conscious citizens may even know that green roof technology includes roof structure and possibly some insulation; waterproofing membrane, often with root repellent insertion; a drainage system, sometimes with built-in water reservoirs; landscape or filter cloth to contain the roots and the soil; and specialized growing medium. But as with any trend that becomes mainstream, hucksters abound – and the green roof sector is not immune to them. "There are gimmicks on the market that in my opinion do not make for a good green roof, and it's a result of the green roof industry being divided into two factions: purists who have adopted the tried and true European system of green roofs, and the marketers," says Ron Schwenger, prin- cipal of Architek. There are other problems with the green roof craze. "Although landscape archi- tects and architects are doing their best to specify and design green roofs, we, as green roof professionals, need to do a better job in supporting and educating them to ensure that specification and details are clearly spelled out," says Schwenger. Architek, which first opened for business a decade ago, works with architects, landscape architects and consultants in specifying the highest performance sys- tems that are also the most cost effective and suitable for the architectural cir- cumstance. The company uses ZinCo's wide range of long-lasting, proven green roof systems that have been developed and designed to succeed in virtually any landscape hardiness zone. Architek provides all of the necessary specifications and templates to ensure that the build-up system scope is clear, and then provides con- tractors with materials and installation supervision. Equally important is the fact that Schwenger's firm encourages end-users (ie: building managers) to commit to maintenance programs so that green roofs flour- ish. "The biggest problem with green roofs is weeds and birds, so simple mainte- nance is key, and the onus for maintenance ideally should be on companies like us," he says. Up until recently, one of the largest and most high-profile green roofs in Vancouver was atrophying due to poor maintenance – until Architek was called in to formulate a recovery plan. Schwenger, who started business with only a few projects yearly and now pre- sides over 70-plus projects annually throughout the Pacific Northwest, dismisses tray green roof systems as a gimmick suitable more for residential "do-it-your- selfers" than in commercial applications. He also outlines the main considerations that anyone in the industry should abide by. "First and foremost, a green roof must protect the building envelope," he says. "Second is to have a system that supports the long life of plants: for example, you only have three inches of soil thickness to work with, and that three inches will quickly compress into one unless you employ lightweight stabilizers." Third, the green roof must live up to the environmental promises made by the installer – which is why Architek stresses the importance of maintenance. "We offer post-installation maintenance and warranties for all of the systems we design, sup- ply or install," says Schwenger. Live Long And Prosper Green roofs are being embraced as a sustainable and cost-saving measure by ROBIN BRUNET VanDusen visitor centre's sloped green roof, B.C.; Naramata Residence green roof, Naramata B.C.; both installations by Architek.