U.S. Green Roof Industry Grows By 35 Percent in 2008

TORONTO - Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, the green roof industry association, is pleased to announce the results from its Fourth Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members that completed green roof projects in 2008. The survey indicates a U.S. growth rate of more than 35 percent over 2007, representing more than 3.1 million square feet installed in 2008.

"The green roof industry continues to grow rapidly in response to the pressing need for cleaner air, better stormwater management, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and developing more usable green spaces in our communities," said Steven W. Peck, Founder and President, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. "The diversity of projects, policies and research at our Annual conference this June 3-5, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia is a testament to the rapid expansion of our industry," he added.

"Growing public policy support for green roofs at the local level is continuing to fuel the growth of green roof job creation in 2009," added Peter Lowitt, Chair, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.

The City of Chicago, which has numerous policies in place to support green roofs and urban greening, implemented the most square feet of green roofs in 2008 of any city, followed closely by Washington, D.C. and New York City. New York State passed a tax abatement measure in 2008 that will provide up to $100,000 per green roof to improve stormwater management and reduce the urban heat island.

The 7th Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards and Trade Show was held in Atlanta, Georgia June 3-5, 2009. Media passes are available. See http://www.greenroofs.org/.