Seats are still available for the 2016 Ecoroof Symposium coming up October 2-4. The event is coordinated by Portland non-profit Green Roof Information Think-tank (GRIT) and Portland State University with support from several sponsors, including East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District. The Symposium is directed towards designers and developers interested in the most current green roof policies and research.

Ecoroof at the Columbia Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plan  

From the event page:

“As the vegetated roofing industry continues to grow and mature, the Ecoroof Symposium will showcase the most up-to- date research on the economic and environmental impacts that green roofs provide to buildings and cities. We are honored to host London’s own Dusty Gedge as our keynote speaker, as well as a research medley on topics such as enhanced real estate value, energy impacts, and biodiversity. Panels of experts and breakout sessions offer a wealth of experience on best practices to avoid concerns, and to extend the service life of the roof membrane and vegetation. Green roof tours can provide insight into a variety of systems and approaches.”

Topics for this year’s Symposium include stormwater management, urban ecology, global green roof trends in design and policy, and best practices for successful green roofs and living walls. Speakers will include Environmental Services’ own Henry Stevens, who will discuss green roof design and soils, and Adrienne Aiona, who will discuss using green roofs to meet Portland’s Stormwater Management Manual. Continuing education credits are available.

The event takes place Monday October 3 in the Smith Ballroom at Portland State University. Please contact Elizabeth Hart, Executive Director of GRiT, if you have questions or visit the GRiT webpage for more information.

In addition to the Symposium:

·         On Sunday October 2^nd,  GRIT members will host the "Green Roofs in Wine Country" tour. $45 includes round-trip shuttle from Portland to Sokol Blosser, Durant, and Stoller Wineries (including their solar and green roofs), as well as snacks and hors d'oeuvres. Please contact Amy Chomowicz for details and to reserve your space. Space is very limited, so please register now.

·         On Wednesday October 4, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities will provide Green Roof Design and Installation training course. This full-day course presents indispensable information for green roof designers, practitioners and maintenance personnel.  Explore the design principles behind North America’s most outstanding projects; discover best practices for installing different green roof components and system types; and identify the essential elements of a green roof maintenance and stewardship plan. To register or learn more, visit the event page.

Finally, for those interested, presentations from past Ecoroof Symposia are posted on the BES youtube page. Here’s one of our favorites – GriT Executive Director Elizabeth Hart’s presentation from 2013 titled "Green Roofs in Healthcare":