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Thoughts on the Green Building Policy Proposal

I applaud the efforts of the Green Roofs Review Task Force in developing the Green Building Policy Proposal Draft. It is a thoughtful response to the ordinance and represents an improvement over what was on the ballot. The first step…

May 21, 2018
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I applaud the efforts of the Green Roofs Review Task Force in developing the Green Building Policy Proposal Draft. It is a thoughtful response to the ordinance and represents an improvement over what was on the ballot.

The first step is spot on: The underlying goals of the ordinance are correctly identified.

The goals of the green roof ordinance may be satisfied with green infrastructure like this water quality basin at the new Carla Madison Recreation Center. Photo and Project by StudioCPG

While green roofs have been an important and appropriate step towards sustainability and resiliency in other climates, in arid Denver irrigation is required on EVERY green roof. The costs of these systems, the water, and the energy costs embodied in that water are not adequately accounted for in calculations derived from other regions. The idea that in every case a green roof will be a benefit is misguided: It diverts energy and resources from strategies that will have a real impact on our communities’ goals.

The second step that provides a mechanism to achieve the underlying goals is unnecessarily complicated. The proposal would create an undue burden on the City by adding complexity to an already complicated review process.

I recommend integrating the achievement of the goals into existing codes and review processes rather than creating a separate review process. The goals of the ordinance may be addressed as follows:

  • Urban Heat Island Reduction: Specify required albedo of roofing materials in building code
  • Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction: Require an overall increase in building energy efficiency in building code
  • Water and Storm Water Management Benefit: a) Allow for rooftop detention to satisfy stormwater requirements; and b) Utilize the ultra-urban green infrastructure guidelines to guide water quality development and promote, improve and utilize the work that is underway
  • Green Experience Improvements may be more limited in scope. While voters likely anticipated lush rooftop playgrounds, this would not be achieved by the ordinance as the most typical ‘green experience’ will be some species of insects and birds accessing extensive roofs of low water groundcovers. For most people, the green experience will primarily be viewing these areas as possible from other roof decks. An appropriate way to address this goal would be to require or incentivize native and naturalized species that provide habitat for local wildlife populations in urban areas
  • Finally, provide education and pre-application support to facilitate green roof construction in appropriate locations in our community

It is critical when addressing the will of the voters that we address the underlying goals. It is important to recognize the complexity of the plan review process and integrate these underlying goals into the existing processes rather than creating a stand-alone regulation.