On February 5 at 1 p.m. (Central time) the Pollution Prevention Institute of Kansas State University will host a free Green Roofs Webinar. This one-hour presentation will highlight examples of completed green roof projects with a focus on modular installations. The course promises to teach practical ways to get a green roof project off the ground (so to speak). Pre-registration is required - click on the link above to go to the registration page.  To sign up by phone, call 1-800-578-8898 or 785-532-6501.

Several green roofs can be found in Greensburg - at the GreenTown Silo Eco-Home, the 5.4.7 Arts Center, and coming soon to City Hall. Because our roof at the Silo Home is solid concrete, we are able to have soil deep enough to grow root vegetables. Not only are green roofs beautiful, they offer many benefits to the home or business owner. The vegetation insulates the roof, thereby reducing energy costs and lowering outside noise; extends the life of the roof (by as much as two or three times the normal lifespan); provides a wild bird habitat; filters pollutants; and offers stormwater management. In urban areas, green roofs can significantly lower air temperatures in the summer, combating the "heat island" effect.

Attend the webinar and learn how to get started on your own green roof.

The image above showcases the green roof atop Chicago's City Hall.