The Flaming Arrow

Aarrgh! Charlie Brown used to say out of frustration. The Baltimore Sun gave publicity to a potentially awesome environmental movement a few weeks ago by publishing a photo on the front page labeled " 'Green' hotel roof downtown." Unfortunately, the caption completely missed the biggest benefit green roofs offer: the temporary absorption, transevaporation, and partial cleaning of acidic rainwater! The Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel installed a partial green roof using drainage panels (or plates), lightweight soil, and sedums, drought and heat tolerant perennials, some evergreen. This roof addition will help keep the building cooler in the summer as well.

In Germany and Switzerland the green roof industry is almost 40 years old with decades of research, technological advances, and jobs. Whole subindustries surrounding the green roof have risen with additional jobs. What is missing in the New World? Besides LEEDs points for tax credits there has not been enough financial incentive for stateside developers. Germany charges square footage fees and penalties for impermeable surface construction, roofs or parking lots, inspiring their developers to use permeable surfaces and green roofs for stormwater management. Kudos to the developer of the Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel for taking a positive step in helping the Chesapeake Bay.