While a lot of the discussion of the event hinged on (obviously) the similarities and differences between Chicago and New York, it was interesting to me to see how everyone at the event spoke about the importance of a project getting off the ground. Sure, innovation always has problems, many of which can be summed up simply by citing the general inertia of government. But the only way to beat that inertia is to get test projects started: the best part of having a green roof might be that it is so highly visible. Everyone who has seen one in action wants one, and the more people are exposed the louder the clamor for green roofs becomes. According to Craytor, simply being out in a community doing the installation work has raised the level of interest and the level of education about green roofs exponentially. That’s the kind of public perception win that gives a ton of credit to the early adopters for fighting through and just getting something — anything — built and up on a roof.
Update: Video from the event! Mayor Daley explains that programs funded by the stimulus must hire local workers with an eye to sustainable communities, as well as environmental effects:
Sustainable South Bronx’s Miquela Craytor points out the benefits of green roof:
Image Credit: Alan Smith
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