On October 1, 2012, the City of Portland will resume accepting applications for ecoroof incentives. After October 1, the city will accept applications at any time instead of twice a year. Incentives will be available through 2013 to spur ecoroof construction in Portland.

The incentive pays $5 per square foot for new ecoroof projects in the city. Ecoroofs in Portland typically cost between $5 and $20 per square foot. Industrial, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are eligible.

Application materials and more information are available at www.portlandonline.com/bes/ecoroofincentive. To receive an application form in the mail, email besecoroof@portlandoregon.gov or call 503-823-7914.

Ecoroofs are vegetated roof systems that absorb rain to reduce stormwater runoff. Ecoroofs also improve air quality and save energy. Since the incentive program began in 2008, the city has approved $1.9-million for 170 projects, resulting in nine acres of new ecoroof. There are currently 360 ecoroofs in Portland covering nearly 18 acres.

The ecoroof incentive is part of the Grey to Green initiative to expand Portland’s green stormwater management infrastructure, protect natural areas and improve fish and wildlife habitat. The Grey to Green goal is to add 43 acres of new ecoroofs by 2013.