Green Roof Outfitters

FedEx Express Hosts Largest “Green Roof” at Any U.S. Airport

2011-10-24T10:08:00.000-04:00

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--When it comes to “green” roofs at airports, nothing in the country tops the FedEx Express cargo facility at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.

“The cooperative effort between FedEx and the Chicago Department of Aviation’s O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) is a prime example of how to immediately reduce the environmental impact of airports and create value for business and for the community”

FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the world's largest express transportation company, recently opened the new package sorting center, which conducts operations under the largest continuous vegetated roof at an airport in the U.S.—or the size of three football fields. At just under 175,000 square feet, the roof is plainly visible from planes as they land at one of the world’s busiest airports. The recently-opened building is also the largest green roof on a freestanding building in the greater Chicago area.

FedEx is already known for its “green” initiatives, such as the addition of all-electric trucks into its fleet (including six currently making deliveries in the Chicago Loop) and the purchase of fuel-efficient Boeing 777s. But green roofs at FedEx and elsewhere at O’Hare are more than just a pretty tapestry of greens, pinks and gold foliage. These roofs also benefit the environment by:

Reducing air pollution
Reducing storm water runoff
Extending the average life of a roof from 15-20 years to 40-50 years
Lowering energy costs by 35 percent a year
Reducing airport noise

“The cooperative effort between FedEx and the Chicago Department of Aviation’s O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) is a prime example of how to immediately reduce the environmental impact of airports and create value for business and for the community,” said Don Colvin, vice president, Properties and Facilities at FedEx Express.

“We have integrated responsible environmental practices into our daily operations, and we continuously work toward goals that challenge us to increase efficiencies, reduce waste and emissions and provide innovative solutions for our customers.”

“The creation of the green roof space is a key component of going green across the City of Chicago, and at O’Hare and Midway International Airports,” said Rosemarie S. Andolino, commissioner of the Chicago Department of Aviation. “I want to commend FedEx for making sustainability a priority on their new replacement cargo facility at O’Hare, which features one of the largest green roofs at an airport in the world.”

FedEx and the OMP are also pursuing LEED Gold certification for the facility, extending the company’s intent announced earlier this year of LEED certification for all new US FedEx Express properties.

The FedEx Express facility is the latest success in what has been years of initiatives to make O’Hare greener, such as building LEED certified airport facilities, recycling construction materials on the airfield, utilizing clean emission vehicles and construction equipment, installing energy efficient lighting, and even providing a habitat for honeybees with the nation’s first on-airport apiary.

Students at Indiana University of Pennsylvania are conducting research on Green Roof Outfitters modules this Fall!

2011-10-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

Students Put Botany into Action on Weyandt Hall Green Roof

Students in Dr. Tim Nuttle’s Botany class (BIOL 210) got their hands dirty helping set up an experiment to study the effectiveness of different plant mixtures in performing green roof functions, like storm water retention and heat load reduction.

Students planted over 250 square feet of the green roof on Weyandt Hall during class on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

For the full article Click HERE

Green Roof Outfitters forms Research Partnership with Clemson University

2011-09-24T09:01:00.001-04:00

2011-08-16T08:16:00.000-04:00

CHARLESTON, SC – August 12, 2011 – A small City storage building being built in Marion Square had a green roof installed on Tuesday, August 9, 2011. This installation makes Charleston the first city in South Carolina to install a green roof on a municipal building.

A green roof is a configuration of plants, soil, and drainage layers that are placed on the roof surface of a building. The architect was Benjamin S. Whitener of Cummings & McCrady, Inc. Architects. Michael Whitfield and Mike McKenna of Green Roof Outfitters supplied the green roof modules. Benjamin Whitener, Michael Whitfield, and Mike McKenna volunteered their time to help City staff install the green roof. Students from the American College of the Building Arts constructed the block and brick walls of the building as well as the large sliding door made of cypress.

The building is designed to fit within the historic context of Marion Square and not draw attention to itself. It utilizes a minimally sloped shed roof, in lieu of a traditional gable or hip roof, which allows the height of the building to be constrained.

Engineered to support the weight of the 2’ x 2’ Green Roof Modules, the tubular steel roof structure is wrapped with perforated zinc allowing the building to vent and provide the interior space with natural day light. The plants on the roof, a mixture of drought tolerant sedums, will absorb storm water, decrease storm water runoff and serve to reduce pollution and increase oxygen in the air. In addition to its environmental benefits, aesthetically, the green roof will blend with the park when viewed from above.

Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. said, “The innovative roof on this functional facility furthers our goal of increased sustainability in the City of Charleston. It will reduce costs related to roof replacement, repair, maintenance, and resurfacing. The roof will also mitigate the ‘heat island effect’ as the plants absorb heat that would normally reflect back into the atmosphere. Each change we make will allow us to lessen the burden on our environment. ”

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities teams up with City of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

2011-06-27T16:24:00.000-04:00

The 9^th Annual CitiesAlive is the leading multi-disciplinary conference dedicated to growing new business opportunities for green roofs and walls through the latest scientific research, innovative design practices and products, and novel public policy development.
“The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is proud to co-host this gathering in Philadelphia, where we are finding green solutions to storm water problems,” said PHS President Drew Becher. “We look forward to sharing innovative projects of PHS and our partners, and learning the new approaches of conference participants from around the world.”

Restoring urban waterways is the main theme for this year’s CitiesAlive Green Roof and Wall Conference. Cities around the world struggle to find cost-effective solutions to restore their local waters and improve the health and sustainability of their communities. Philadelphia is a world leader in storm water management with plans to spend over $2 billion on living green infrastructure solutions.

At this year’s conference, delegates from North America and around the world will explore leading edge green infrastructure projects, scientific research and policies that have helped put Philadelphia in the forefront of the living green infrastructure revolution. We will work together to address emerging challenges and opportunities including indoor greening, developing the residential market, and urban rooftop food production.

CitiesAlive Conference program and registration information are now online at www.citiesalive.org

Ashley Hall Becomes First School in Lowcountry to Install Green Roof

2011-06-08T12:02:00.002-04:00

Project Highlights Commitment to Sustainability

Charleston, SC – For over 100 years, Ashley Hall has distinguished itself as a center of academic excellence. With 100% of its students pursuing a college education and prominent alumnae like Former First Lady Barbara Bush, the all-girls school takes pride in its rich traditions and accomplishments but its primary goal has always been preparing for the future.

Ashley Hall’s forward thinking is evident in its approach towards many things, but recently there has been an increased focus on sustainability. The school recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility and the benefits of incorporating it into its programs. One area is in the construction of new buildings. In 2009, the downtown Charleston school became one of the first schools in South Carolina to have a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified building. LEED sets the standards for “green” buildings across the country and their Library and Science Center passed the test.

The students are also getting involved through the Green Club. The Club meets on a regular basis to discuss what the students can do to improve the environment. Under the guidance of science teachers Meghan Ward and John Madden, the group recently partnered with local company, Green Roof Outfitters, to install a rooftop garden on the Science Center. After initial discussions, Meghan and John both felt it was important to get the students involved in the design of the project. Michael Whitfield and Mike McKenna of Green Roof Outfitters were invited to speak to the group to introduce them to the product and afterwards the students quickly went to work designing the layout for the rooftop garden. When it was time to install the green roof, they took it a step further by assisting with the installation.

“The focus of the green roof project was to introduce the students to the green industry and to enhance their experience in the classroom” explains Meghan Ward. “It has been great to see the students getting involved. We have been able to use the rooftop as an outdoor science lab and they have really taken to it.”

Ashley Hall is the first academic institution, at any level, in the Lowcountry to install a green roof. It’s a real testament to their commitment to sustainability and their willingness to adopt new technologies.

“We are excited about being the first school in the area to have a green roof” says John Madden. “There were initial budget concerns, but the beauty of the Green Roof Outfitters Modular System is that you can start with a small pilot project which requires minimal investment. At the end of the day, it’s all about providing innovative academic programs for our students.”

Green Roof Industry Continues to Soar

2011-04-20T10:32:00.000-04:00

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) announced the results of its 2011 Annual Industry Survey of Corporate Members which found that the green roof industry grew by 28.5 per cent over the course of 2010, up significantly from 16 per cent growth recorded in 2009!

Earth Day

2011-04-20T10:24:00.000-04:00

Here's a video clip from the first Earth Day. We've come a long way...

2011-01-10T13:18:00.003-05:00

Recent Green Roof Outfitters Projects

2010-12-16T09:12:00.014-05:00

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Apartment Building in Hoboken, NJ

Condominium in Washington DC

Sales Position Available

2010-09-28T14:42:00.003-04:00

DESCRIPTION
Green Roof Outfitters is seeking a qualified Sales Manager to support a national sales campaign focused on commercial, institutional and residential green roof initiatives. Candidates must have a successful sales background and possess knowledge of energy efficiency, green building and sustainability.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Work collaboratively with the management team to target and successfully sell to potential customers
• Identify new sales opportunities
• Develop effective sales strategies
• Responsible for the management and maintenance of customers’ accounts
• Maintain accurate records of all sales and activity reports
• Create and present sales proposals to potential customers

QUALIFICATIONS
• At least three years of sales experience is required; roofing sales experience a plus
• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, environmental studies or construction management preferred
• Proven success in developing new business and generating sales leads
• Excellent presentation skills
• Superior communication skills
• Extensive experience in all aspects of Customer Relationship Management
• In-depth knowledge of green building design and sustainability
• Experience with a start up company preferred

LOCATION
Major metropolitan territories across United States

Qualified applicants should send resume and cover letter to info@greenroofoutfitters.com for immediate consideration. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please. Green Roof Outfitters is an equal opportunity employer that encourages and values diversity.

Green Roof Outfitters is a manufacturer, installer and supplier of green roof systems. For more information, please visit www.GreenRoofOutfitters.com

Go Green: Modular Green Roof Systems

2010-08-21T11:00:00.006-04:00

Video by Austin Dandridge

This video showcases the modular green roof system manufactured by Green Roof Outfitters. The all-inclusive GRO Modules include: a 100% recycled content container with a built in drainage & reservoir system, filter fabric layer, lightweight growing media and established hardy plants. Each component of this modular system is engineered to work synergistically with one another, creating an optimal environment for the green roof to thrive.

Best In Green (B.I.G.) & Local Expo

2010-08-02T16:34:00.006-04:00

Best in Green & Local Expo
Friday, August 6th
8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Gaillard Municipal Auditorium Charleston, SC
$40.00 in Advance or $50.00 at the Door
For Tickets Click Here

Come join South Carolina Business leaders and residents as we discuss the future of local business and green technology in our state.

Highlights of this All Day Event include:

Panel Discussions
Featuring Democratic Nominee for Governor Vincent Sheheen along with other state and local business and government leaders.

Luncheon
Featuring some of the areas finest restaurants.

Keynote Speaker
Eric Henry from TS Designs will share his stories of entrepreneurship and working with local businesses.

Workshops
Topics include Charleston's Green Business Challenge, Working Locally in a Global World, Green Building Skills and Demand, Emerging Trends in Agriculture, Bio-Fuel Industries and more.

The Exhibitors Showcase
Featuring local and regional green businesses.

Green Business Challenge Kick Off Celebration & BIG & Local Pioneer Awards
Mayor Riley and the City of Charleston will host this reception which recognizes businesses throughout the Lowcountry who have achieved standards of excellence in sustainability. It will also showcase the Charleston Green Business Challenge which helps to improve the environmental performance and sustainability of local businesses. Drinks not included in price of admission.

Exhibitor Showcase Participants
Xerox, Green Business Challenge, AESS, WCBD Channel 2, Money With a Mission, Subaru of Charleston, The Good Footprint, The Sustainability Institute, Lowcountry Local First, Coastal Conservation League, KEW Solutions, American Automated Payroll, Kangen Water, Kinder Soles, Deltacom, Coastal BioDiesel, Office Connections Inc, Solar Hot Water Works!, Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, R.E.D.D.Y. Recycle, SC DHEC Office of Solid Waste Reduction and Recycling, Berkley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments, Lowcountry Citrus Solutions, Green Roof Outfitters, Maximized Living, OBCO Chemical Corp, Fisher Recycling, Solar Energy Solutions, Carriage Hill Associates of Charleston

Introduction to Green Roofs

2010-07-28T15:52:00.010-04:00

Learn about the basics of green roofs in these two great videos.

Charleston County Executive Setting Great Example

2010-07-21T15:11:00.005-04:00

Politicians and government employees like to flaunt their commitment to environmental issues, but when it comes down to it, how many of them are willing to spend their own money to support the cause? Jenny Bloom, of Parkwood Estates in West Ashely, is part of a select group who is willing to put her money where her mouth is.

As the Charleston County Recycling Educator & Community Representative, Bloom has spearheaded green programs throughout the region and has dedicated herself to environmental issues. To those who know her, it should come as no surprise that Jenny recently became the first person to install a green roof in West Ashley and one of the first South Carolina residents to do so on their home. She is on the forefront of a growing industry in the US where building owners are looking at their rooftops in a whole new light.

“Sustainability is important to me. When I moved into my new home I was looking for innovative ways to create an eco-friendly environment” explains Bloom. “Green roofs are logical, effective and a great fit for my thrifty, but upstream, mindset towards home design.”

A green roof is a configuration of plants, soil and drainage layers which are placed on a roof surface. Forget green dye or paint. This is a colorful blend of hardy, drought tolerant plants which transforms your impervious roof into a lush garden landscape. The vegetated cover acts as an additional layer of insulation and reduces energy costs, extends the roof life and absorbs stormwater runoff. Municipalities like them because they act as a stormwater management tool. Savvy building owners like them because they can help offset rising energy costs.

"There is a tremendous problem across buildings and properties in the Lowcountry as it relates to wasted energy costs," said Mike McKenna, partner at Green Roof Outfitters. "A quality vegetated roof system will provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution."

The green movement has taken shape across the Lowcountry and Mayors Joe Riley and Keith Summey have been instrumental in creating some of the premier programs in the country. Through their efforts and the efforts of citizens like Jenny Bloom, they will be able to protect the natural resources we cherish here in South Carolina. These programs offer numerous environmental benefits including the preservation of our wetlands, beaches and rivers, but many of them also lead to long term cost savings. While Jenny is setting an excellent example by putting her money where her mouth is, she can also expect to see a little payback the next time she gets her SCE&G bill.

Green Roof Outfitters Partners with oneZone Solutions to Study Green Roof Systems

2010-07-13T12:49:00.003-04:00

Companies collaborate on project geared towards energy cost savings

Charleston, S.C. – July 13, 2010 -- Green Roof Outfitters, a supplier of eco-friendly green roofing, today announced a partnership with oneZone Solutions. Effective immediately, the two companies have launched a pilot program to study the impact installing a green roof has on energy consumption. As a leading green roof company, GRO will utilize oneZone Solutions software to monitor energy cost savings on buildings equipped with a GRO modular green roof system.

oneZone Solutions has the ability to display real-time and historic energy use for electricity, water, gas and renewable energy systems and its wireless technology lets you access the data from anywhere in the world. This information will provide valuable insight into the green roof performance.

“When meeting clients, the first questions we get are regarding our ability to track energy cost savings,” said Michael Whitfield of Green Roof Outfitters. “oneZone Solutions is the perfect mechanism for us to provide these customers with accurate results.”

While the emergence of green technology has given consumers the ability to reduce their energy costs, it is often difficult to quantify the results. oneZone tackles the problem head on by demonstrating the effect the products have on the bottom line.

“Our goal is to provide the information necessary to make educated choices,” explains Ben Hilke, co-founder of oneZone Solutions. “Our system will validate the investments which are being made in green technology and people will be able to target areas where they are wasting energy. In most cases, they will find their energy consumption decreasing 10% to 50%.”

About Green Roof Outfitters
Green Roof Outfitters is a manufacturer, installer and wholesale supplier of modular green roof systems. The company is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. To learn more about Green Roof Outfitters and the GRO Modular System visit GreenRoofOutfitters.com.

About oneZone Solutions
oneZone Solutions LLC is a Charleston based technology company that specializes in improving the energy efficiency of living and working spaces. Their products include energy dashboards, automated controls, remote property management and intelligent irrigation systems.

# # #

Media Contact:
Michael Whitfield
Green Roof Outfitters
843.364.7653
michael@greenroofoutfitters.com

Ben Hilke
oneZone Solutions
843.200.0338
ben@onezonesolutions.com

Chicago Green Roof

2010-07-08T08:54:00.007-04:00

Green Roof Outfitters has expanded its business by selling empty GRO Modules across the country. Here's an example of its product on an office building in Chicago. GRO provided the containers and the local installer provided the plants.

GREEN ROOF OUTFITTERS INTRODUCES COST-EFFECTIVE MODULAR SYSTEM TO GREEN ROOF INDUSTRY

2010-06-21T13:30:00.007-04:00

GRO Modular System Provides Way for Builders and Building Owners to Reduce Costs and Improve Sustainability

Charleston, S.C. – Green Roof Outfitters, a supplier of eco-friendly green roofing, has introduced the GRO Modular System, an all-inclusive package that will help customers conserve energy, increase the life of their roof, reduce storm water runoff and protect the environment. As building owners experience challenges in reducing energy costs and improving sustainability, Green Roof Outfitters is directly addressing this growing green market by delivering cost-effective solutions that have an immediate return on investment.

Energy costs are increasing and many buildings lack the proper roof structure and insulation required to make them energy efficient. Savvy consumers are looking for innovative ways to reduce these costs and green roofs provide an eco-friendly, aesthetically pleasing solution.

"There is a tremendous problem across buildings and properties as it relates to wasted energy costs," said Michael Whitfield, founder of Green Roof Outfitters. "We’re confident that our vegetated roof system will provide a sustainable, cost-effective solution, while helping our customers achieve 50 percent of the credits required for LEED certification."

The easy-to-deploy GRO Modular system contains established plants that are able to withstand extreme temperatures, absorb rainwater and require little to no maintenance. The base of the module is engineered with a balanced design, utilizing specific patterns to control the drainage rate and storm water runoff. The GRO Modular system, which is backed by a one-year limited warranty, also features a lightweight soil media which keeps the load of the fully vegetated modules at approximately 16-19 lbs. per square foot. This makes them relatively easy to transport and that translates into reduced labor costs and a quicker return on investment.

“One of our priorities when designing the modules was the installation process,” said Whitfield.

“By keeping them at approximately 4 square feet and including handles on all sides, we created a product which is fairly simple to install.”

About Green Roof Outfitters
Green Roof Outfitters is a manufacturer, installer and wholesale supplier of modular green roof systems. The company is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina. To learn more about Green Roof Outfitters and the GRO Modular System visit GreenRoofOutfitters.com.

Green Roofs Required by Law in Copenhagen

2010-06-17T09:50:00.002-04:00

Copenhagen's Green Roof Ambitions

Copenhagen is the first city in Scandinavia to have a manditory green roof policy. The new policy makes vegetation and soil a mandatory obligation in planning. The policy covers all roofs with less than a 300 pitch and also covers refurbishment of older roofs. However such roofs will get some public financial. The green roof policy is part of a wider ambition the City has to be carbon neutral:

’Copenhagen has set itself the ambitious target of becoming the world’s first carbon neutral capital by 2025. To meet this ambitious goal we need ambitious measures. Therefore we have now decided to ensure the City adapst to extreme weather conditions by making new requirements for getting grass on top of as many buildings as possible, ’ - Mayor of Technical and Environmental Administration, Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard.

The City of Copenhagen has set out four requirements for green roofs. Buildings with green roofs should be able to meet at least two of the following effects:

Absorb 50-80% of the precipitation that falls on the roof.
Provide a cooling and insulating effect of the building and reduce reflection.
Help make the city greener, reducing the urban heat island effect, counteracting the increased temperatures in the city.
Contribute to a visual and aesthetic architectural variation that has a positive effect on the quality of life.
Double the roof life of the roofing membrane by protecting it against UV rays etc.

Today about 20,0000 m2 of the roofs in Copenhagen are flat and at least 30 buildings have green roofs. It is envisioned that new development should add 5000 m2 per year – though this is only aspirational as it will depend on the development cycle and economic factors.

Source: http://www.livingroofs.org/copenhagen-green-roofs.html

Green Roof Industry Grows 16.1% in 2009 Despite Economic Downturn

2010-06-01T14:28:00.009-04:00

City of Chicago #1 and Washington, DC, #2 in Annual Top Ten Cities List

Toronto, Canada – May 26, 2010 – Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is pleased to announce the results of its 2010 Industry Survey of its Corporate Members. Despite the severe economic downturn last year, the green roof industry grew by 16.1 per cent over the course of 2009. In the Top Ten Cities List, Chicago led the way for the sixth year in a row, with more
than 500,000 square feet installed, followed by Washington, DC, co-host of the June 1 & 2, 2010, Regional Green Roofs & Walls Conference and Training, at 190,000 square feet installed, respectively.

“Despite this fantastic progress, opportunities for future annual growth are enormous, with green roofs accounting for an estimated 10 million square feet annually in an overall flat roofing industry which replaces or builds more than 4 billion square feet in North America annually,” said Steven W. Peck, Founder and President of GRHC. “I’m excited about panel discussions planned for Washington, DC, on June 2, which will focus on how to move to a higher level of adoption in the Nation’s Capitol to meet a target of 20 percent green roof coverage by 2020,” he added.

“We are definitely seeing the emergence of more public policies and direct investment that support the implementation of green roof infrastructure due to its many public benefits, such as stormwater management, air quality improvement, and reducing the urban heat island effect. Policies in cities such as Chicago, New York, Washington, Portland, Minneapolis, Milwaukee and Toronto, to name a few, are making a difference”, said Jeffrey L. Bruce, Chair, GRHC. “The industry will be further strengthened as we develop new training courses to support our more than 325 accredited Green Roof Professionals
(GRPs) and launch our newest course - Integrated Building Water Management – in Washington, DC, on June 1st.”

http://www.greenroofs.org/resources/media_GR_Ind_Grows_16_1_Percent_2009.pdf

Media Contacts:
Steven W. Peck, Founder and President, GRHC, 647-226-4494, speck@greenroofs.org;
Jeffrey L. Bruce, Chair, GRHC, principal, Jeffrey L. Bruce and Company, 816-665-8885, jbruce@jlbruce.com.
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) is a membership-based industry association whose mission is to develop the green (vegetative) roof and wall industry in North America. www.greenroofs.org.

Photos of Green Roof Outfitters System

2010-04-27T20:01:00.006-04:00

There's so much more to a green roof than its economic and environmental benefits. Look at these plants and then go look at your roof. What looks better?

GRO's unique blend of plants are aesthetically pleasing, yet hardy enough to endure harsh rooftop conditions.

The modular system blends together to form a lush landscape and create a wildlife habitat.

The GRO Module is designed so one person to carry it by themself. This helps simplify the installation process and reduce labor costs.

Graze the Roof

2010-04-26T09:21:00.011-04:00

http://readcharlie.com/2010/04/22/graze-the-roof/

Futuristic solar-panels and high-tech hybrids are a thing of the past- the newest way to go green involves getting back to our roots, literally.

The next step in your path to achieving oneness with the environment is to install a green roof (a layer of vegetation atop any building). Luckily, a local company has created a way to instantly turn your home into a green-house with pre-planted units that are placed directly on your roof.
Green Roof Outfitters (GRO) is the brainchild of founder Michael Whitfield, who took the innovative idea to the next level by making the concept accessible and available to everyone, not just those building homes from scratch.

Installing a green roof provides more than just oxygen and bragging rights: by creating a barrier from UV radiation and extreme elements, a green roof protects the existing roof below while insulating the structure, keeping heat in during the winter and out during the summer….a must for the notoriously exposed homes on the peninsula. The plant-cycle aids in the cooling of the air directly above the home or office, so that each green roof reduces the overall temperature of the area.

And, of course, there’s the aesthetics: a green roof just looks cool!

Whitfield and his biz partner, Mike McKenna, tested over 100 plants to find those best suited for Charleston’s fickle weather. They ended up with 14 varieties of sedum that are hardy and durable enough to withstand the humidity, rain, draught and salt air.

These plants are low-maintenance- no green thumb necessary.

Picky about your garden? Unplanted modules are also available.

Because of the lightweight soil and small unit size (2×2 with handles), installing the system is more of a DIY (do it yourself) weekend project than a timely endeavor.

Consider the GRO system the McDonald’s of the green roof industry, minus the greasy fries and emotional hangover.

GreenRoofOutfitters.com

Story by: Carter Worrell Dandridge

Photos by: Austin Dandridge

WBTW Interview

2010-02-25T12:48:00.008-05:00

Green Roof Outfitters was featured in a recent news segment on green roofs and their benefits.

GRO Article in Moultrie News

2010-01-05T13:14:00.005-05:00

Local resident launches roof business

Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Source: http://www.moultrienews.com/business/Business-Kudos-12-30

Local resident Michael Whitfield has launched a green roof business called Green Roof Outfitters.

He comes from a family of entrepreneurs; his father, Lonnie Whitfield, owned Whitfield's Martinizing Dry Cleaners on Coleman Blvd., while his sister owned a local hair salon, and another sister that co-owned a local health club.

Whitfield was born and raised in Mount Pleasant, graduated from Wando High School, and went on to The Citadel, where he earned his degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering.

He worked as an engineer for several years before he decided to take a gamble and start his own business.

While studying to become a LEED Accredited Professional (a national standard for sustainable building design), he became passionate about the environment, and after years of research and development, Green Roof Outfitters was born.

Whitfield worked with horticulturalists, manufacturers and other green roof professionals to create the GRO Modular green roof system. The GRO Modular system is an all-in-one, pre-planted system that blends all of the environmental and economic benefits of green roofs into a simplistic method of installation with little maintenance required.

Green Roof Outfitters has recently fulfilled orders for the GRO Modules nationwide, and is currently working on projects around Charleston.

Whitfield was one of the featured speakers at this year's Charleston Green Fair, and is now going into the classrooms to teach kids about green roofs and their many benefits.

For more information on green roofs and his business, go to www.GreenRoofOutfitters.com or call him directly at 843-364-7653.

Catch the Leprechaun 5K

2009-12-18T09:34:00.002-05:00

Go Green on St Patrick's Day!
Green Roof Outfitters is helping to organize an environmentally friendly 5K run/walk called Catch the Leprechaun. It will be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Mt Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. That's 10 days before the Cooper River Bridge Run so it will be a great way for you to test your legs!

Catcht the Leprechaun won't be your typical 5K. There will be live music, a great post race party, a pot of gold for the winners and a prize for anyone who finishes before the Leprechaun.

All proceeds from the race will help support Pattison's Academy. Pattison's is a non-profit early education and rehabilitation program that provides a caring and non-restrictive environment for multihandicapped children. Currently in the Lowcountry, families with special needs children and children with multiple disabilities are solely dependent on public schools and early intervention programs for services and treatment. However, some of these children need a more therapy-based approach to their care and education. Pattison's will provide these children with year round academic and pediatric rehabilitation.

Come on out on and help support a great cause!

To register, please visit Active.com

For volunteer or sponsorship opportunities, please call 843-566-2742 or email us at catchtheleprechaun@gmail.com.

Pattison's Academy Video

North Charleston Wins Sustainability Award

2009-12-18T09:07:00.005-05:00

The Home Depot® Foundation of Atlanta, GA announced that the City of North Charleston and its non-profit partner, The Sustainability Institute of South Carolina, have been named as winners of its 2009 Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development. North Charleston joins Minneapolis, MN, as one of only two winners nationally for this prestigious, first-ever honor. At the presentation, The Sustainability Institute of South Carolina was presented with a check for $75,000, as part of a grant to foster public education for sustainability in the Lowcountry.

“Clearly, North Charleston is moving to the forefront of sustainable communities in the US,” says Mayor R. Keith Summey. “Recent economic development announcements and national honors point to the city as planting the seeds for a 21st Century economy. Without question, The Home Depot Foundation award is a reliable indication that North Charleston is improving the quality of life for its citizens.”

The Award of Excellence comes on the heels of two major economic development announcements in North Charleston this fall, with the decision by Boeing Aircraft to build a massive assembly plant for its new Dreamliner passenger planes, and the US Department of Energy’s decision to award the Clemson University Restoration Institute with its federal wind turbine research center. Both announcements will have a profound impact on the local and state economy, and are projected to generate thousands of high-paying jobs.

This award follows a number of recent media honors, including Green Builder Magazine recognizing the City’s Oak Terrace Preserve green residential neighborhood, and a listing as one of the nation’s ‘coolest neighborhoods’ by Men’s Journal. Closer to home, the Reader’s Pick in the Charleston City Paper for “2009 Best New Development” was for the City’s Oak Terrace Preserve green residential project.

The Foundation’s award to the City of North Charleston was part of a stringent selection process, drawn from projects submitted by cities throughout the US. According to a statement released by the Foundation, the award recipients were selected based on a number of criteria, including comprehensive sustainability, environmental sustainability, and green infrastructure, as well as how well they met the needs of the local community while maintaining affordability for its residents.

“The City of North Charleston and the Sustainability Institute of South Carolina deserve enormous credit for the work they are doing to promote sustainability, and we are glad to support their efforts,” said Kelly Caffarelli, president of The Home Depot Foundation. “We are delighted to support the City and Institute in their long term commitments to sustainable community development where families can thrive.”

A team of national experts served on the advisory committee, including representatives from 360GREEN, Inc., Global Green USA, Southface Energy Institute, US Green Building Council, and the National League of Cities,among others.

According to the Foundation’s statement, the award was based on the City’s dedication to building a sustainable community in the aftermath of the closure of the Charleston Naval Base. The City-owned Oak Terrace Preserve green neighborhood is “a role model for successful completion of a sustainable community. Today, it exemplifies best practices in housing, natural resources and land use, and development.”

This past August, the Foundation flew in staff members and a team of sustainability experts to carefully review the City’s progress in implementing its Comprehensive Plan, and the recommendations of the North Charleston Noisette Community Master Plan. An Atlanta-based video and photography crew conducted interviews, which were
compressed into a four-minute documentary short feature by Ranchomo Media, Inc.

Along with the Foundation’s full case studies for North Charleston, the video will be posted online at http://www.homedepotfoundation.org, as well as the City’s YouTube.com channel, http://www.youtube.com/northcharlestonsc. A copy of the national news release is also posted online by the
Foundation.

The Award of Excellence was first announced at a December 9 luncheon for the NeighborWorks® Symposium in Washington, DC. Bryan Cordell, executive director of the Sustainability Institute, attended the luncheon ceremony, along with Mayor Summey, in the nation’s capital. Today, Fred Wacker, Catherine Woodling and Andrea Pinabell of the Foundation attended the news conference at City Hall.

In early November, The Home Depot Foundation and Sustainability Institute collaborated with the City, Noisette Foundation, and KaBOOM!, to build a playground in North Charleston, with green, innovative equipment.

“At this point, there are a lot of people that deserve credit for playing a pivotal role in the greening of North Charleston,” concludes Summey. “The Award of Excellence is a community honor, which is a result of efforts by City Council and staff, the project team for Oak Terrace Preserve, and Sustainability Institute, in their ongoing efforts at growing a sustainable culture in the City.”

Article on GRO from the Navy Yard at Noisette

2009-11-19T12:29:00.011-05:00

Green Roofs Are Born Here

by Mr Hugh
2009 November 19
http://navyyardsc.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/green-roofs-are-born-here/

They’ve got to come from somewhere, and that place just happens to be here in the Navy Yard at Noisette. Green Roof Outfitters, or G.R.O. is the regions first company designing, growing and installing modular Green Roofs.

First, what is a Green Roof? Put simply, Green Roofs are living additions to roof structures. Their environmental impact is tremendous. They reduce storm water runoff, reduce the “heat island effect,” reduces pollutants & increases oxygen, extends roof life by 2-4 times, lowers energy costs, lowers noise level, creates urban green space and even help reduce our carbon footprint.

They can come in many different varieties, but G.R.O. has found that the plant variety of Sedum Succulents works particularly well in our climate, including both winter and summer. Because they are succulents they require very little water to survive, while retaining significant amounts of what does comes there way. Not to mention, they only initially require fertilizer, and won’t ever need it again, great news for the health of rivers and streams.

G.R.O’s innovative modular system makes installation much quicker and simpler than any other system available. Each module is 4′x4′ and weighs about 80 lbs. fully saturated. An innovative aspect of the modular systems is the addition of small wells within the units, allowing them to store water until the plants need it. The modules are produced here in South Carolina of 100% recycled plastic.

Founders, Mike McKenna & Michael Whitfield

Water collected from nearby roofs to help get seedlings started.

Social Media and the Green Roof Industry

2009-11-17T02:14:00.006-05:00

Social Media has arrived and the green roof industry is finding new ways to market its products. Don't think your clients use Facebook, Twitter or You Tube? This video might change your mind...

2009-11-10T17:50:00.001-05:00

Green Jobs for a Green Future from White House on Vimeo.

MSU study finds added benefit of green roofs

2009-11-10T17:31:00.003-05:00

Planted rooftops can store carbon, researchers say
Haley Walker • Capital News Service • November 9, 2009

Michigan State University researchers found that planting vegetation on roofs can store heat-trapping carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas emitted by burning fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal for transportation, power production and industrial development. High concentrations are linked to global warming.

"This study is the first of its kind," said head researcher Kristin Getter. "We knew these roofs had benefits, but we didn't know they would be able to store carbon."

Green roofs already are used to control temperatures, improve storm runoff and increase vegetation and wildlife habitat in urban areas. Now Getter, a doctoral student in horticulture, has quantified another environmental benefit.

Examples of green roof projects in Michigan are found in Detroit, Ann Arbor, Lansing, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, according to the Department of Environmental Quality.

And Ford Motor Co.'s Truck Assembly Plant in Dearborn was recognized in 2004 by Guinness World Records as the largest green roof in the world.

Researchers found that the plants on green roofs absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere.

Their findings were applied to the Detroit metropolitan area, which has between 77 million and 101 million square yards of available rooftop. Planting vegetation on all of it could also mean storing approximately 55,000 tons of carbon, Getter said. That would be the same environmental impact as removing thousands of trucks or SUVs from the road.

"A traditional roof is not storing any carbon, but a green roof is a brand-new storehouse," Getter said.

The carbon study was conducted over two years. Twenty plots of plants were placed on MSU's Plant and Soil Sciences Building. Both the above- and below- ground plant material was harvested every other month during the growing season.

Content measured
The plants were then weighed and their carbon content measured. Approximately 13.3 ounces of carbon per square meter was stored throughout the study.

"We were thinking they probably wouldn't store very much, and it isn't a lot compared to a forest or grassland, but it is more than what a traditional roof would have," Getter said.

Results of the study were published in the Environmental Science and Technology journal. Two other parts of the study investigated species-specific plants on green roofs.

The roofs are used on buildings in Chicago, Manhattan, Toronto and Washington, D.C.

Chicago's City Hall is one of the earliest examples of a green roof project in the U.S.

Conserving energy
"The biggest benefit in the U.S. is their ability to help conserve energy because the soil acts as extra insulation," Getter said. "They also help reduce noise and air pollution."

According to Getter, her study identifies one more function of what's often called "a living roof."

"We are all concerned about carbon dioxide in the atmosphere," she said. "This is just another way to help keep carbon dioxide levels lower."

SC Gubernatorial Debate

2009-11-04T08:51:00.003-05:00

Ten South Carolina gubernatorial candidates met in a dual-party debate and the environment was a hot topic. Click here for more

Mt Pleasant Mayoral Candidates Discuss Green Roofs

2009-11-04T00:36:00.000-05:00

Prior to this weeks Mt Pleasant mayoral election, the Post & Courier asked members of the community to submit questions to each of the candidates. GRO submitted a question on green roofs and it was deemed worthy of a response. Here's what the candidates had to say:

Question: Would you ever consider putting a green roof (vegetated roof) on Town Hall, and what other "green" objectives do you have for Mount Pleasant?

Bustos: I surveyed nearly 10,000 Mount Pleasant households on several new ideas, including concepts to protect the environment, and found strong support for acquiring more green space, providing more biking and pedestrian facilities, encouraging green building methods and working with CARTA for more bus routes. Each of these, however, must be weighed against the economic reality of available resources. I believe a green roof is the sort of initiative a majority of our citizens might support.

Santos: Yes. I certainly believe in green roofs. Being able to capture and utilize rain water to water plants when necessary will certainly conserve our water supply. Additionally, we should utilize the green roof technology for future roofs on public buildings.

Swails: Green roofs are used more often in Europe than in the U.S. but are catching on in some areas. I would certainly consider that if it was cost-effective for the town. I am very supportive of land conservation and open to any new "green" opportunities.

http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/oct/31/mayoral-candidates-give-views/