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Did you know... As of 2000 there were nearly 116 million residential buildings in the US, with over 1.8 million more built annually. As of 1999 almost 4.7 million office buildings existed, with approximately 170,000 new buildings constructed each year. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential and commercial buildings alone account for more than one third of US greenhouse gas emissions.  What’s more, total electricity consumption is expected to increase by 1.6% per year. That is significant given that here in New England electricity is roughly 40% more expensive than the US average.   By incorporating energy efficient design and products into our homes and building we can not only save money, but also reduce pollution.
Energy & New England’s Environment New England Green Building Resources US Green Building Council, Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design NH Office of Energy & Planning
Green Building: Project Planning & Cost Estimating, R.S. Means Residential Green Building Guide: A Web Source Book for New England, EPA Innovative Land Use Planning Techniques: A Handbook for Sustainable Development; NH DES, NH Association of Regional Planning Commissions, NH OEP, NH Local Government Center To view all Lending Library publications, click here.
iTRaC held an Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wed. Feb. 28, 2007 at Nashua North High School. Click here for materials from this and other iTRaC trainings

What is a Green Roof? A green roof is an alternative to traditional roofing material. It consists of vegetation & soil (or a growing medium), planted over a waterproof membrane.
Why use a Green Roof? Green roofs have many benefits. They act as a sponge, greatly reducing runoff. Green roofs also help insulate buildings from extreme temperatures, particularly summer heat. Furthermore, they absorb air pollution, store carbon, and reduce noise transfer from outside the building.
Who uses Green Roofs? Green roofs can be used in many applications, including industrial facilities, residences, offices, and other commercial properties.
NH Green Roofs TF Moran, an engineering firm in Bedford, NH, serves as an excellent local example of green roofs in action. Their 250 square ft green roof features 6 different species tolerant to New England temperature extremes.
To learn more about Green Roofs, visit these websites: Green Grid Roofs--information on the TF Moran green roof Whole Building Design Guide EPA Green Roofs Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Photos: Albrect Duerr, Whole Building Design Guide, Green Grid Roofs, Green Grid Roofs

Page updated 3/18/08