Solar and Green Roofs – An Unlikely Duo?  The Climate Mobilization Act in New York City includes legislation that requires nearly all new buildings or existing buildings undergoing any major roof construction to install either a green roof, a solar panel array, or a combination of the two. The main goal of the new law is to lessen the environmental footprint of the city by reducing runoff, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and improving building efficiency. However, it is also a tremendous opportunity to dramatically expand the city’s usable outdoor space. Until now, the majority o ..read more

What do I need to know? The Climate Mobilization Act includes initiatives and mandates that aim to turn New York City’s rooftops green – literally and figuratively. These new laws will make New York City among the most sustainable skylines in the world.  Read below to find out what you need to know about the Climate Mobilization Act legislation, as well as other existing incentive programs for green roofs in New York City. Climate Mobilization Act DEP Green Infrastructure Grant Program  NY Green Roof Tax Abatement Program   Climate Mobilization Act What is it? Passed on April 18 ..read more

By Chris Erickson   Winter is an overlooked season in gardening. Too often the winter garden, unless it is full of evergreens, is written off altogether and the plants are cut back to the ground in fall. This is a shame. Proper management can enhance both the health and the aesthetics of plants during the long winter months. Nowhere are the opportunities for better utilizing planted areas in winter greater than on urban rooftops.  I will look at three reasons why urban roofs deserve extra consideration for proper winter management, whether the roof is composed of an intensive green r ..read more

By Peter Spartos   Setting up your own irrigation system for your rooftop or balcony garden this spring? Fall might seem far away but it’s a good idea to understand what it will take to properly shut your system down at the end of the year. Any irrigation lines that could be subjected to freezing temperatures will need to be winterized. Typically this just means any lines that are outside of the building envelope, but if lines pass through an unheated indoor space these might need to be winterized as well. Small irrigation systems, with only one or two zones, can be easily run with a batt ..read more