August 6, 2007 via GreenRoofs.WordPress.Com

22 businesses in Alberta, Canada, have teamed up to produce a 3,000-square-foot demonstration project: the Alberta Eco-Roof Initiative, reports Canada.com

The demonstration project is significant for Australia, as the Alberta local climate is “semi-arid, almost desert-like, with lots of chinooks and a significant amount of precipitation from thunderstorms,” according to building manager Dave McKillop.

The project will look at:

• plant species and substrate depth and type

• stormwater retention and runoff quality

• thermal performance and energy efficiency

The project’s partners all signed on for different reasons: some are interested in climate change; some want to reduce heating and drainage costs; others are interested in biodiversity.

“Part of our dream is that if someone has an interest in this, we can give them our template,” said McKillop.

Tags: Alberta, Alberta Eco-Roof Initiative, Architecture, Canada, Dave McKillop, Green Roofs, GreenRoofs.Com, GreenRoofs.Com, Sustainability