US Postal Service Green Roof

The US Postal Service has finished a 2.5 acre green roof in New York City. The green roof, on top of the Morgan, an historic building in mid-town, should last 50 years.

Inhabitat.com posted the story in its regular email, though the USPS posted a press release on 22 July 2009. Free Shipping on any purchase over $25

According to the press release,

“The Morgan green roof is the largest in New York and one of the largest in the country,” said Sam Pulcrano, vice president, Sustainability. “Not only does it provide employees with a beautiful, serene outdoor environment, the green roof will help us meet our goal to reduce energy usage 30 percent by 2015.”

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The USPS wisely noted the value of green roofs, namely, reduced energy usage, as well as storm water runoff management. Additionally, green roofs reduce fine particulate matter air pollution. Of course, they are beautiful also! Chuck Norris wants YOU to get into shape! - Total Gym® Official Store. Try Total Gym® for 30 Days for only $1 - FREE Shipping.

As a US taxpayer, I am glad to see my money being spent in such a responsible way! Let's hope we see more green roofs, not just in New York City, but also in places such as Shanghai, Bangalore, and more in Mexico City.

Mexico City's Plan to Use Green Roofs to Clean the Air

Mexico City is one of the world's largest urban centers and has some of the worst air pollution. However, Mexico City is a proponent of green roofs, as posted previously here and is committed to improving the environment for its population.

Inhabitat.com and Archdaily.com report that to improve not only air pollution, but also green space, Jorge Hernandez de la Garza, Rodrigo Ambriz, Michael Smith, and Erik Cosio have designed a building system (with green roofs!) that is:

"...module, highly structural and flexible in order to provide horizontal and vertical stacking along with diverse insertions to create a mesh not unlike that seen in the periphery."

Using a modular system allows the builders to place them throughout Mexico City, as well as other urban areas. $20 Off AeroGardens It is unique in that:

"The module affords not only spaces for living and working but for urban farming, water reclamation, and solar energy collection. As the modules rise vertically to create a high-rise structure, they also spread horizontally in order to create canopies for street level commerce."

The modular nature also allows for a variety of "skins" to be added to the structure, so enclosed spaces can be created. These spaces could be retail, residential, or elements of urban farming, such as chicken coops, or for other animal husbandry needs. Indoor gardens

Is this a growing trend in urban farming or are we seeing the recognition that green roofs are more extensible? It is my hope the convergence of technologies leads to greater adoption of green roofs, as well as urban farming.

More information on urban farming can be found here, here, here, and here.