I have two friends interested in a green roof—one for a commercial building, one for residential—where can they shop for one? Are there any grants or tax rebates available? Should they consider lower hanging fruit like better insulation first?

By Meghan Feran Kleon
Former architectural resource coordinator
Cleveland Green Building Coalition

For residential, they’d probably be better off hiring a home energy rater first, and doing some targeted insulation/weatherization on their home. I always recommend the book Insulate and Weatherize by Bruce Harley for anyone looking to learn more about that process (it includes some great DIY information).

They’d need to get an engineer to come out and okay their roof for a green roof—even though a special light growing medium is used for green roof applications, it still adds additional weight. Also, a green roof may not be feasible if they have a really steep slope.

Most residential green roofs use modular green roof systems. The following companies offer modular green roofs:

GreenGrid Modular Green Roof System
The GreenGrid® Modular Green Roof System was introduced in August 2001 as a modular green roofing system that can be installed over almost any low-slope roof—even older roofs. The system’s modular design allows easy access to the underlying roof for repairs or changes without destroying the Green Roof. Modular 2' x 4', 4"- or 8"-deep "pans" made from 100% post-consumer recycled HDPE plastic are sold with drainage, soil media, and plantings. Also available in 2' by 2' modular pans either 2-1/2" or 4" deep and 40" by 40" modular pans 4" deep. Units in other sizes may be available on request. GreenGrid® is delivered pre-planted and ready to install.

Contact information
Weston Solutions, Inc.
Frank L. Beodray, CPG
Cleveland Office Manager
Building 2, Suite I
6779 Engle Road
Middleburgh Hts., Ohio 44130

Phone: 440) 202-2806
Fax: (440) 243-7381
www.greengridroofs.com

Ecogrid Green Roof Grid
Ecogrid products from Terrafirm Solutions are made from 100% recycled post-consumer HDPE. The lock-together trays may be filled with planting medium and used in green roof systems to prevent soil compaction in growing areas while providing a barrier between the roofing membranes and pedestrian traffic. Ecogrid is available in black, green, and brown, and are principally used for porous paving and ground stabilization.

Contact information
Terrafirm Solutions Ltd.
1088 Hornby St.
Vancouver, BC V6J 5C2
Canada
Phone: 604-622-7427
Toll-free: 888-837-2376
Fax: 604-622-7428
www.terrafirmsolutions.ca

Green Roof Blocks
Green Roof Blocks are ready-to-install 22-gauge anodized aluminum 2' x 2' planters with 4", 8", or 12" depths that are placed on a rooftop to create a living roof. Saturated unit weights range from 17 to 51 lbs/sf. Live plants and growth media are included. Pads at each corner and in the center of the planters elevate them from the roof surface, allowing drainage and airflow. Green Roof Blocks are made with 15% recycled metal and 50% recycled rubber. The self contained units are portable, facilitating roof work and aesthetic rearrangement.

Contact information
Saint Louis Metalworks Company
11701 New Halls Ferry Rd.
Florissant, MO 63033
Phone: 314-972-8010
Fax: 314-972-8182
www.greenroofblocks.com

Live Roofs
LiveRoof is the first prevegetated modular green roof system developed by growers and specifically designed to grow plants on a rooftop environment. LiveRoof system advantages:

• Instant green roof—arrives to the job site with full-grown plants.
• Invisible Modules—modules are subterrainean for an instantly mature monolithic green roof.
• Saves money—mimimal maintenance compared to other methods.
• Immediate benefits—mature plants generate instant evaporative cooling effect, maximum storm water detention, and optimal aesthetic. No need to wait years for all the benefits of a green roof.
• Easy to handle—needs only one person to carry. www.liveroof.net

GreenTech Roof Garden System
The GreenTech® Roof Garden System utilizes HDPE plastic containers that are 46" wide x 46" long x a minimum of 8" deep. The modular units, which can be preplanted and readily reconfigured or replaced, have perforated bottoms and folding sides that can be customized for greater soil depths. Channels below the modules displace soil, reducing weight and enhancing drainage and air circulation, while further discouraging root penetration of the waterproofing membrane by air pruning. Foot locator pads are used to provide consistent positioning and interlocking of the trays. The containers may also be used to create drainage planes for athletic fields, playgrounds, and pathways. When filled with sand and other filtration media, they may be incorporated into graywater treatment systems.

Contact information
GreenTech, Inc.
470 Clubfield Dr.
Roswell, GA 30075
Phone: 804-363-5048
Fax: 770-587-2445
www.greentechitm.com

MODI Roof Garden
MODI Roof Garden trays are made from post-consumer recycled HDPP, come in two depths, and are suitable for use over any type of watertight membrane. The system has high compressive strength, allowing the use of small loaders or mini-excavators during installation or maintenance. The attachment system accommodates changing slopes and curved surfaces, and in conjunction with the optional MODI Paving Grill, can be used on roofs with slopes greater than 15%. The trays may be shaped with a saw or disc grinder.

Contact information
Green Innovations, Ltd
81 Snowhill Crest
Toronto, ON M1S 3T4
Canada
Phone: 416-725-7524
Toll-free: 888-725-7524
Fax: 416-283-6273
www.greeninnovations.ca

I should note that any of the above would also be green roof possibilities for a commercial building. (And a great local resource for a larger commercial green roof application is, of course, Garland Company.)

I’m not aware of any incentives specifically for green roofs. However, the state of Ohio does offer low-interest loans and grants to both homeowners and businesses for energy efficiency improvements, so a green roof might contribute to a project that could qualify for that funding. More information about those incentives are online.

Hope this helps! Let me know if you need more info.