June 11, 2013

Portland’s reputation as a leader in ecoroof technology continues to grow. The city has received a 2013 Green Roof Leadership Award for Municipalities from the International Green Roof Association (IGRA).

Portland received the award at the 3rd International Green Roof Congress held in May in Hamburg, Germany. Over 250 participants from more than 40 countries attended to learn about future trends for roof and façade greening.

“It’s great for the city that Portland is receiving international recognition for our innovative stormwater management,” said City Commissioner Nick Fish. “Ecoroofs have many benefits, and one of the main benefits is that they make the sewer system more efficient and reliable by acting like giant sponges soaking up rain and keeping stormwater runoff out of our sewers.”

The association noted that Portland’s work to promote green roofs is encouraging other cities around the world to adopt the technology to manage stormwater. “We’re honored to receive this award,” said Bureau of Environmental Services Director Dean Marriott. “And we are pleased that our efforts to promote green roofs are being recognized.”

Green roofs replace conventional roofing materials with soil and vegetation. They manage stormwater onsite and provide many other human health and environmental benefits. Over 500 green roofs cover more than 1.5 million square feet of rooftop in the City of Portland.

For more information contact Linc Mann, 503-823-5328.