The 2010 World Green Roof Congress goes to London this September! Green roofs have been a subject of conversation in the environmental world for a long time. They have the ability to change a bland, unused, rooftop, into a beautiful, lush, exciting, and green space secretly tucked into an urban atmosphere. 2010 has been a great year for green roofs—they are popping up more and more in countries like China, Australia, the United States, and many more. This year will continue to get better for green roofs on September 15-16. During these two days, environmental companies Livingroofs.org and CIRIA (Construction Industry Research and Information Association) will host World Green Roof Congress (WGRC) in London, England. The congress will bring together the world’s leading green roof experts from all around the world.
The first WGRC was also held in London in 2008. This conference brought over 300 representatives from 15 countries and it was extremely successful because the congress provided great opportunities for learning and researching cutting edge green roof technologies and ideas.1 This year, The WGRC hopes to provide a space where these experts can discuss the most recent case studies and policy initiatives. They also will look into the future of green roofs, promoting the implementations of more green roofs, and highlighting the importance of green roof education and its benefits.
Objectives of the Congress: The Congress aims to demonstrate how green roofs and green walls can contribute to sustainability, climate change adaptation, green infrastructure, and ecosystem services.2 Here are some specific key points that the congress will focus on:
- Showing the contribution green roofs make in furtherance of a sustainable urban environment and adaptation to climate change.
- Providing knowledge and the most efficient practices of green roof implementation.
- Promoting alternative uses of green roofs and their contribution to urban communities.
- Inspiring those in the environmental construction sector to implement green roofs where they will be useful and practical.
- Creating a forum for all who are interested in the promotion of green roofs to discuss ideas on how to implement green roofs into urban societies.3
Format and Event Activities: The two-day conference will be held in the Allen & Overy offices in London. The first day will begin with regulatory registration, and some time saved for mingling and networking. Chairman, Jim McClelland, will open the event and will invite attendees to talk about certain introductory topics like:
- The City of London’s approach to greening roofs;
- Using green roofs to adapt to existing buildings and climate changes;
- Developing an evidence base for green roofs.4
The first day will then proceed with getting into teams and discussing specific issues and topics concerning green roofs. Day two of the Congress program will allow delegates to share international experiences on the delivery of green roofs, their multi-functional benefits, as well as the life cycle of implementing green roofs.5 Different experts will take the time to inform attendees of their knowledge and advice about green roofs. For example, Mark Simmons, at the University of Texas in Austin will speak about Thermal and hydraulic performance of different native green roofs in Texas, while Sally Capp, Agent-General for Victoria, Australia will speak about current initiatives to encourage green roofs in Melbourne, Australia.6
The World Green Roof Congress is not only a step in the right direction for people in environmentally-related industries, it is also a huge step for humanity. Green roofs have little to no negative side effects or arguments against their implementation. They have the power to bring nature to an urban atmosphere, while also offering a peace of mind to anyone who enters them. I look forward to seeing what comes of the WGRC on September 15th-16th. To get more information, contribute, or attend the Second World Green Roof Congress in London.
