2007 -2008 Green Roof Demonstration Subsidies Program
All Applications should be submitted via email in PDF form to Karen@dcgreenworks.org
Program
DC Greenworks received a grant from the District Department of the Environment, Watershed Protection Division to provide green roof demonstration subsidies of up to $ 3.00 a square foot. The program will take rolling applications, our next deadline is February 15, 2008. Other deadlines to be announced. Go to this link for application and further information - http://web.mac.com/trees14/Site/About__Green_Roofs.html
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a subsidy the building structure must be located in the District of Columbia. Subsidies are available for:
extensive and intensive green roof projects
new roofs and retrofits
Program Goals
The green roof program focuses on several areas of interest for the city -- educating and demonstrating the effectiveness of green roofs, rainwater retention within the Combined Sewer Overflow Zone (CSO map) and growing the number of buildings with green roofs beyond residences.
Program Application and Selectiton Ranking Factors and Percentage Weights
Grant Application will be ranked in terms of the following:
Innovation of green roof design 5%
Educational value of demonstration 20%
Storm water retention 15%
Location of property within the CSO zone 20%
Geographic and building use diversity 15%
Size of projects with priority given to spaces larger then 3500 square feet 10%
Retrofits 15%
Benefits
In areas of high-density development, where pervious surface and open ground make up 10% or less of total surface area capable of absorbing or diverting storm water runoff, greenroofs provide significant social, environmental and financial benefits.
Green roofs can:
Reduce cooling and heating energy consumption. Green roofing improves building insulation for reduced energy consumption year-round. This means fewer brown-outs and less pollution created by air conditioners, heating units, and power plants. An energy study for the city of Chicago estimated peak demand would be cut by the equivalent of one small nuclear power plant if all the city's roofs were greened.
Reduce energy costs. The study said Chicago could save $100 million in saved energy annually with green roofs. A one story green roof structure can cut cooling costs by 20 –30%.
Protect the roof's structural elements from harmful UV rays, wind and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Extend the life of the roof by providing enhanced roof membrane durability—up to 50 years or more. The green roofs at the Rockefeller Center were built in the mid 1930's, and still have their original waterproofing membranes.
Increase property values by utilizing previously unused space for roof decks and attractive roof landscaping.
Lower storm water utility fees, and earn energy tax credits, grants and subsidies. The Gap expects to have saved enough money by 2005 from lowered energy costs to have paid for the green roofs and all the other environmentally sustainable features of their award-winning building.
Reduce ambient air temperatures in high density urban areas, therefore reducing the Urban Heat Island effect. In the summer, city rooftops can reach 175° or more! See the orange and red areas of the D.C. thermal map (above) to see how paving and density create heat islands.
Absorb CO2, filter air, bind dust particles and reduce glare. 1,000 square feet of green roof can supply 110 people with oxygen and remove 41 pounds of airborne particles per year.
Absorb and filter heavy metals, acid rain and pollutants from storm water, including cadmium, copper, lead, nitrate, zinc, diesel soot, VOCs, hydrocarbons and pesticides.
Reduce runoff flow rates and retain 50–95% of rain water. This eases city sewer infrastructure and reduces combined sewer overflows into the Potomac, Anacostia and Rock Creek.
Provide needed green habitat and nesting areas for urban birds, butterflies and other insects.
Find respite from the "concrete jungle." Creative designs can include flowing water features, architectural details, meadows and landscaped seating areas that can help urban residents and employees unwind and de-stress.