GreenGrid: The Premier Green Roof System
- 1. The GreenGrid® Green Roof System offers distinct advantages over more complex systems with its simplicity in design, pre-planted modules, and movable modular features.
- 2. Introducing the GreenGrid® Modular Green Roof System ® S implicity in design and flexibility are the hallmarks of the GreenGrid® System. About Green Roofs The system was designed by engineering, roofing, and horticultural experts to produce an efficient, integrated green roof product. GreenGrid® offers a modular design that arrives at your site pre-planted and ready for installation. The modules contain 100% recycled plastics, and the components can be hoisted to the roof via elevator, forklift, or crane, and quickly installed in accordance with the design. The modules can be placed directly on the roof membrane or on any other surface with adequate structural capacity. GreenGrid® Green Roof System modules are lightweight compared to many other green roof systems. The Ultra-Extensive (2.5-inch depth) modules weigh approximately 11-13 pounds per square foot (wet). The Standard Extensive (4-inch depth) modules weigh approximately 18-22 pounds per square foot (wet). The new Extensive (4-inch depth) G3 modules weigh 21-25 pounds per square foot (wet). Both Ultra-Extensive and Extensive modules support highly drought-resistant ground covers that can thrive in a non-irrigated Green roofs are not a new (climate dependent), rooftop environment in the project location. The Intensive (8-inch phenomenon. Due to their excellent depth) modules—supporting a large variety of insulation and stormwater retention properties, these roofs have been a variety of grasses, perennials, and/or groundcovers standard construction practice in that can thrive in an irrigated or non-irrigated, many countries for years. Since the rooftop environment in the project location—weigh 1970s, green roofs increasingly have approximately 36-44 pounds per square foot (wet) become part of the landscape in and up, depending on plant selection and growth Europe, where there are over 100 media. They can be easily arranged or rearranged to million square feet of planted roofs today. Due to the complexity of suit the needs and desires of the client. Most some of these systems, green roofs important, roof maintenance and have been somewhat slow to catch repair is simple—modules can just be on in North America. These moved should roof repair/maintenance “European” systems are constructed be required, then put back in place. in layers, starting with a waterproof membrane and drainage layer, then insulation, root barriers, soil layers, and a wind erosion blanket are put in place. The landscape is then installed, which can take considerable time to mature. The GreenGrid® System offers distinct advantages over these complex systems with its straight- forward design, pre-planted modules, and movable modular features. 2
- 3. System Options Ultra-Extensive Modules The 2.5-inch Ultra-Extensive GreenGrid® System is an extremely lightweight green roof system of modules, composed of 2.5 inches of growth media and drought-tolerant vegetation. This functional green roof system is generally designed to require minimal irrigation and maintenance. The 2.5-inch green roof system is appropriate for small applications with limited structural capacity. The approximate weight of a wet 2.5-inch GreenGrid® ultra- extensive green roof system is 11–13 pounds per square foot, which is similar to the weight of gravel ballast placed on many conventional roofs. Extensive Modules The 4-inch Extensive GreenGrid® System is a lightweight green roof modular system composed of a 4-inch layer of growth media and highly drought- tolerant vegetation that is composed of ground covers that can thrive in a non- irrigated (climate dependent), rooftop environment in the project location. Like the ultra-extensive modules, this highly functional green roof system is generally designed to require minimal irrigation and maintenance. The approximate weight of a wet 4-inch Standard GreenGrid® extensive green roof system is 18-22 pounds per square foot. The new 4-inch GreenGrid G3 extensive system's wet weight is 21-25 pounds per square foot. Intensive Modules The 8-inch Intensive GreenGrid® System is designed for more elaborate roof landscapes. These rooftop gardens are typically designed to be accessible for leisurely enjoyment and therefore must have the proper structural capacity for live loads. The 8-inch depth system allows for a larger selection of plants, including grasses, perennials, natives, and/or groundcovers. The addition of paver pathways, terraces, edge treatments, and other architectural features result in beautiful and dramatic new usable spaces. Depending on the plant selection, drip irrigation systems and maintenance may be necessary, just as they would be for a traditional garden. Although a more refined application, the ecological benefits of Intensive green roofs are wide-ranging due to the utilization of larger and greater plant species diversity. The average weight of a wet 8-inch GreenGrid® intensive green roof system starts around 36-44 pounds per square foot, and may be higher depending on plant selection and growth media. 3
- 4. The Advantages a GreenGrid® System Brings to Your Building ® Easy Roof Maintenance and Repair: Since the GreenGrid ® system is modular, roof surfaces are always accessible for maintenance and repair. “No matter the type or age of a roof, eventually it will leak. The question is, when,” said Larry Flynn, Senior Editor, Building Design & Construction 1. When the roof requires maintenance or repair, the GreenGrid® modules are simply removed and then put back in place when repair is complete, without disturbing growing media or plants. Engineered, Integrated System: All components of the GreenGrid® Green Roof System are designed and engineered to work together. This results in installation efficiencies, thereby lowering costs, and assures an integrated design. Lightweight for Existing/New Roofs: The GreenGrid® system can be installed on any roof in good condition where structural capacity is present. The choice of lightweight modules make a green roof feasible for almost any building , without requiring upgrades to its structural capacity. Pre-Planted and/or Pre-Grown System: The GreenGrid® modules are planted in advance at the nursery.This means modules arrive at the job site already planted and ready for installation. This feature helps reduce costs associated with labor and helps reduce installation time. Plants can also be grown at the nursery in advance of shipment to the project site. The table below presents additional GreenGrid® advantages. GreenGrid® Advantages GreenGrid® Green Roof System Solution Traditional (Built-in-Place) Systems Easy Roof Maintenance & Repair Modules can easily be moved then put back in place Layers need to be cut and rolled back until repair without disturbing growing media or plantings location found; plants and layers damaged Competitive Installed Cost Competitive installed cost versus leading built-in-place New roof surface plus mat, drainage, root barrier, systems moisture retention layers often costly Quick Installation Delivered pre-planted, ready to set in place; reduced Multi-layer, built-in-place, vegetation planted downtime due to inclement weather at job site, time-consuming Pre-planted Pre-planted at the nursery; speeds installation time and Planted on site; increases labor costs reduces labor costs Lightweight for Existing/ Lightweight—installs on any existing roof surface in good Systems often heavy; roof surface replacement New Roofs condition and with structural capacity often required despite condition Easy Rooftop Placement All modular system components quickly put in place Components delivered to rooftop by multiple sources on roof in accordance with design can present scheduling difficulties LEED® Recycling Credits All GreenGrid® modules contain 100% recycled material, Components generally do not contain recycled contributing to LEED® recycling credits material Built-In Water Retention Module design provides built-in water retention Water retention layers must be added Easy System Alteration/Additions Option of installing green roof in sections offers Often difficult and expensive to change/add-on opportunity for future add-ons due to edge design requirements Alliances Wrap-around or full-system warranties are available as Limited Warranty – Removal and re-installation of part of a Mule-Hide or Carlisle GreenGrid® Roof plants/vegetation generally not included 1Building Design & Construction, 1 Sept. 2003, vol. 44, no. 9, p. 66 4
- 5. Reduced Energy Costs: When the outside air temperature reaches 95° F, traditional black rooftop surface temperatures can be as high as 175° F. The heat load of a roof impacts the amount of energy necessary to cool the building to the desired temperature. Due to its insulating properties, GreenGrid® green roofs can significantly reduce the heat load of the roof in warm seasons. Real-time and Historic GreenGrid Data Charts ® Available at GreenGridRoofs.com Reduced Urban Heat Island Effect: The urban heat island effect occurs in most of the large cities of the world and has actually been shown to change weather patterns in some. Roads and building rooftops absorb a significant amount of heat during the day, which in turn is radiated back into the atmosphere, causing further warming. GreenGrid® green roofs help insulate and shade buildings. Plus, the plants on green roofs transpire, cooling the atmosphere around them. Stormwater Management: Green roofs help alleviate stormwater runoff through retention and detention of rainfall and detention of runoff from roofs. This benefit can cut costs associated with required municipal on- site stormwater retention. Sound Insulation: The growth media, plants, and layers of trapped air in a green roof system serve as excellent sound insulators. Tests have shown that green roofs can reduce the indoor noise pollution from outdoor contributors by as much as 10 decibels per every 3 inches of soil media. Extended Roof Life: GreenGrid® green roofs can protect roof membranes from ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and puncture or other physical damage. Creation of Added Value and Aesthetics: Green roofs can provide an oasis of green in the urban environment by creating visually pleasing vistas, serene rooftop gardens, and functional gathering areas. 5
- 6. GreenGrid® Projects ® APPLE COMPUTER STORE - NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE Client: Apple Computer, Inc. Location: Chicago, IL GreenGrid® Size: 2,400 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2003 AMERICAN RED CROSS OF GREATER CHICAGO - RAUNER CENTER Client: American Red Cross of Greater Chicago Location: Chicago, IL GreenGrid® Size: 2,800 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: Douglas Hoerr Landscape Architecture Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2004 ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY HEADQUARTERS- SOUTH PLAZA BUILDING G Client: Allstate Insurance Location: Northbrook, IL GreenGrid® Size: 13,489 Square Feet Installation Contractor: Roofs, Inc. Landscape Design: SAS Architects & Planners Rooftop System: Extensive/Intensive Status: Completed Summer 2008 UWM GREAT LAKES WATER INSTITUTE Client: University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee – Great Lakes Water Institute Location: Milwaukee, WI GreenGrid® Size: 6,480 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: WESTON Rooftop System: Extensive/Intensive Status: Completed Summer 2003 U.S. EPA REGION 8 HEADQUARTERS Client: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Location: Denver, CO GreenGrid® Size: 19,396 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: WESTON Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Fall 2006 INTERVALE GREEN - WHEDCo Client: Women's Housing and Economic Development Corporation (WHEDCo) Location: Bronx, NY GreenGrid® Size: 11,396 Square Feet Installation Contractor: Nations Roof Landscape Design: Independent Landscape Designer and Weston Rooftop System: Extensive/Intensive Status: Completed Summer 2008 6
- 7. GOLDEN ARROW LAKESIDE RESORT Client: Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort Location: Lake Placid, NY GreenGrid® Size: 3,400 Square Feet Installation Contractor: Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort Landscape Design: Kieth Giamportone Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2008 BARBER PARK GREEN BUILDING Client: Ada County Parks & Recreation Location: Boise, ID GreenGrid® Size: 3,660 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: WESTON Rooftop System: Ultra-Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2005 STARBUCKS COFFEE - ESCARPMENT VILLAGE Client: Hensel-Phelps Location: Austin, TX GreenGrid® Size: 10,000 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Rooftop System: Intensive Status: Completed Fall 2005 IKEA STORE Client: IKEA US Location: Stoughton, MA GreenGrid® Size: 21,376 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: WESTON Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2005 CENTER FOR URBAN ECOLOGY Client: National Parks Service Location: Washington, DC GreenGrid® Size: 6,500 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON/Platinum One Contracting Landscape Design: U.S. Department of the Interior Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2004 SUSTAINABLE SOUTH BRONX Client: Sustainable South Bronx Location: Bronx, NY GreenGrid® Size: 1,052 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON/Corporate Contractors, Inc. Landscape Design: WESTON Rooftop System: Intensive/Extensive Status: Completed Summer 2005 NATTY BOH BREWERY REDEVELOPMENT Client: Natty Boh Brewery Location: Baltimore, MD GreenGrid® Size: 12,000 Square Feet Installation Contractor: WESTON Landscape Design: Cho Benn Holback & Associates Rooftop System: Extensive Status: Completed Fall 2005 7
- 8. New GreenGrid G3 Green Roof System The new GreenGrid® G3 Extensive Green Roof Modules, like standard extensive GreenGrid modules, can quickly and affordably improve a building’s performance. Unlike standard GreenGrid modules, GreenGrid G3 modules have a thin edge. This feature makes the system edges less noticeable during periods of maturation or winter dormancy, while still allowing the modules to remain modular and allowing easy access to the underlying roof system for maintenance and repairs. Built-in handles make the modules easy for one person to carry. Like all GreenGrid modules, GreenGrid G3 can be grown out in advance of delivery for a full- coverage green roof upon installation. Optional Features Pre-Growing Option All GreenGrid modules can be planted and grown out at the nursery in advance based on customer needs. The vegetated modules are delivered to the job site and placed for an instant, mature green roof. Apart from the instant aesthetic appeal, these grown out modules provide other functional benefits. A mature green roof is less susceptible to weed encroachment. Mature vegetation will also help protect the growth media from potential wind scour and water erosion. All of this translates to a successful green roof and less maintenance. Ask your regional GreenGrid sales representative about the pre-grown option. Pre-Growing Option Beneficial Enhancements • Ecoballast®—These modules can be added to augment stormwater retention. • Drip Irrigation Systems—Some configurations may require the installation of a drip irrigation system, due to climate and/or plant selection. Ecoballast® Drip Irrigation System Aesthetic Enhancements • Pavers • Edge Treatment • Outdoor Furniture and Planter Boxes Pavers Edge Treatment Outdoor Furniture & Planter Boxes Contact Information Suite 500 • 750 E. Bunker Court • Vernon Hills, IL 60061 847-918-4000 phone • 847-918-4055 fax For Regional Contacts and Additional Product Information, visit us at: www.greengridroofs.com GreenGrid and ABC Supply Co., Inc., are trademarks of American Builders & Contractors Supply Co., Inc. The GreenGrid® System is a proprietary technology of ABC Supply Co. U.S. and international patents pending. WESTON is the exclusive licensee of the GreenGrid® System in the U.S. All GreenGrid® projects in the United States are performed by Weston Solutions, Inc., or its designees pursuant to such license. Weston Solutions, Inc. © 2006 B-D066 4.09