Green Roofs - On Top of the Eco Movement

   Originally sod roofs were found in picturesque alpine settings or on cabins in the Mid-west during pioneer days.  But starting around fifty years ago Europeans realized that a vegetative roof cover had far more to offer than just aesthetics.  The ability to retain and cleanse a large percentage of water run-off from rain events while moderating temperature extremes for the building they are covering, protecting the water proofing from harmful UV, thus dramatically extending the life of a roof, and providing a habitat for wildlife within our very urban environments. 

Now adopted world-wide, you may be surprised how many green roofs are already in place around us.  Teufel Landscape has been a leader in bringing green roofs to the Northwest.  We were one of the founding partners with Roofscapes ( www.roofmeadow.com) and have installed many of the successful green roofs in both Portland and Seattle.  In Tacoma the veterinarian clinic at Point Defiance Zoo, in Portland the Metro Regional Services, Multnomah Building, Central Library, OHSU Health and Healing, Lovejoy Block II, Encore condominiums, and the Portland Building pictured above, and in Seattle Fire Station 10.

 
Many municipalities offer incentives to either build new or retrofit to a green roof.  And an eco roof can be a major part of your LEED certification.  Contact your Teufel representative to discuss how a green roof may be in your future.

Rick Christensen, Landscape Division Manager