Authorizing the Committee on Legislative Oversight to hold public hearings to investigate how the City of Philadelphia could establish a green roof initiative including municipal buildings, affordable housing, and by way of grants for homeowners.

WHEREAS, Green roofs are layers of living vegetation installed on top of conventional rooftops; and

WHEREAS, There are numerous benefits to green roofs. The added green space protects conventional roof tops by providing an added waterproofing system. Furthermore, green roofs offer environmental and aesthetic benefits; and

WHEREAS, Green roofs filter rainwater, reduce storm water runoff and conserve energy. Rooftop gardens cover heat trapping, dark roof surfaces, which in turn reduces the ‘urban heat-island’ effect and air pollution. The green space also provides an additional habitat to wildlife; and

WHEREAS, Many cities throughout the world have green roofs in various capacities. Chicago, for example, has over 250 known commercial and residential green roofs. Chicago’s City Hall is one of these environmentally-friendly buildings and saves an average of $4,000-$5,000 each month on energy costs; and

WHEREAS, The cost of installing a green roof ranges between $10 and $20 per square foot. However, this cost is offset by the proven energy savings; and

WHEREAS, When planning and designing a green roof the following must be considered: Condition of roof, structural capacity of the roof, access to the roof, weight of garden, cost of garden, irrigation, drainage and maintenance; and

WHEREAS, Commenting on Chicago City Hall’s Green Roof, Robert Berghage, an associate professor of horticulture at Penn State University, stated, “Anything you can do to get more plant material in the city is going to make a big difference in helping to make our cities more livable,” now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED,

BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That City Council’s Committee on Legislative Oversight is hereby authorized to hold public hearings to investigate how the City of Philadelphia could establish a green roof initiative including municipal buildings, affordable housing, and by way of grants for homeowners.

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