Green Roof Installation
- Municipality : City of Warren, MI
- Population : 129,990
- Governance : Mayor/Council
- Grant Allocation : $ 1,358,600
Lessons Learned
- Lead by Example in Building and Retraining
- Green jobs are for all skill levels
- Partner with other institutions
Introduction
The City of Warren implemented green roofs on key buildings, reducing energy use and stormwater runoff. The project also trained unemployed workers in green roof installation, creating job opportunities while promoting sustainability.
The Takeaway
Government can provide a good example by implementing projects to demonstrate to the private sector the possibilities and benefits of green building.
Implementing green technologies represents an opportunity for worker retraining, achieved through strategic partnership.
Strategic partnerships help cities achieve such disparate goals as workforce development, energy savings, stormwater runoff reduction, and improved occupant comfort.
Scope of Work
The City of Warren implemented a green roof retrofit on their Police Headquarters and Sanitation building. In addition, the City of Warren trained unemployed workers in green roof installation. Some relevant statistics from the project were:
- Installation of 5,280 sq ft LiveRoof Lite vegetative green roof on the Police Station and 6,100 sqft Xero Flora vegetative green roof on the Sanitation Building
- Extensive green roof with soil 3 inches deep with sedem and other shallow rooted plants used.
- Classroom training for 15 and on-the-job training for 10 Michigan Citizens as green roof installers.
Project Results
The City of Warren worked with Michigan Works and Macomb Community College (M-TEC) to provide credentials for workers in Living Roofs, as well as other career readiness certifications. Some resultant project metrics are:
- 10 workers trained in green roof technology, first aid, and building products. (2 of those workers now working in this field)
- 12% HVAC energy savings from greater insulating characteristics of green roof
- Total roof runoff (both roofs) reduced by 236,590 gallons annually
Estimated Annual Benefits of Green
| Electrical Savings (Cooling) | kWhs 217.3 |
| Gas Savings (Heating) | Therms 122.6 |
| Water Runoff Saved | Thousands of Gallons 236.6 |
Electrical Savings (Cooling):
- The green roof system achieved annual cooling energy savings of 217.3 kWhs, reducing reliance on air conditioning by enhancing insulation and mitigating heat absorption.
Gas Savings (Heating):
- The green roofs contributed to 122.6 therms of heating energy savings, improving thermal performance during colder months.
Water Runoff Saved:
- The roofs prevented 236.6 thousand gallons of water runoff annually, demonstrating effective stormwater management and reducing the load on drainage systems.
Challenges Overcome
- Lack of knowledge on how to train people for the Green Roof installers labor market
- Working in an integrated way with designers, buildings, and the education providers.
- Lack of knowledge on the benefits of green roofs.
Further Resources
EPA State and Local Climate and Energy
Program Green Roof Resources
http://www.epa.gov/statelocalclimate/webpodcasts/local-webcasts.html
Greenroof Industry Portal
http://www.greenroofs.com/
MSU”s Green Roof Research Program
http://www.hrt.msu.edu/greenroof/
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
http://www.greenroofs.org/
WARM Training Center
http://www.warmtraining.org/
Southeast Michigan Regional Energy Office
http://www.regionalenergyoffice.org/
