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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
Green rooftop research lacking
WINNIPEG is falling behind other Prairie cities when it comes to research in rooftop greening, according to a local landscape designer.
Shauna MacArthur of Friesen Tokar Architects told the Better Buildings Conference in Winnipeg on Thursday universities and technical colleges in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina and Saskatoon are all conducting ongoing studies into the best designs and plants for rooftop gardens.
But she's not aware of any studies being conducted in Manitoba, she said, although the University of Manitoba has expressed interest in getting involved in one as part of its Alternative Village project.
But that likely won't happen for another year or two, she said.
MacArthur, who moved here three years ago from Edmonton, said she expected the green rooftop industry to be more advanced here because the City of Winnipeg has had a green rooftop strategy since 2003.
"And there is a very good design culture in Winnipeg."
She estimated there are seven to 10 buildings in the Winnipeg area that have plants, grass or trees growing on their rooftops, with the biggest at Oak Hammock Marsh north of the city. Manitoba Hydro's new downtown office tower also has one.
Green rooftops reduce urban greenhouse gas emissions, provide additional thermal insulation for a building, are esthetically pleasing, and reduce and recycle storm runoff water.
-- staff
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 25, 2011 B6
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