Green roofs can help slow and clean runoff, preventing stream erosion and pollution.loc
The term "green roof" refers to a roof with vegetation on it. In some cities, such as Copenhagen, Denmark, flat or nearly-flat roofs are required to be vegetated. While the phenomenon isn't quite as popular in the United States, nevertheless there are a number of grants available from the government, as well as from foundation and private sources. Green roofs provide such benefits as reduction of roofing maintenance and replacement costs; filtration of chemical air pollutants and and the physical capture of airborne particles. The green roof also reduces the quantity and pollutant levels of stormwater runoff, thus decreasing the need to expand community water treatment infrastructure.
Environmental Protection Agency Grants
According to experts cited in an interview for Greenroofs.com, buildings that incorporate green roofing elements can be eligible for grant funding under the EPA's Clean Water Act Section 319, which addresses nonpoint source pollution to rivers, lakes and streams. To find out about accessing these funds in your state, contact your state's nonpoint source coordinator on begin. Grants from the EPA can range from $5,000 to $100,000.
Department of Environmental Protection City-Level Grants
Many city Departments of Environmental Protection offer programs that allocate funding towards projects that help improve the quality and decrease the quantity of stormwater. For example, New York City's Department of Environmental Protection announced in early 2011 an allocation of $3 million for community-based Green Infrastructure Program Grants, which can be used for green roofs that help reduce and manage stormwater on private property and public sidewalks. The program supports the city's goal of improving water quality and is part of the NYC Green Infrastructure Plan as well. Washington, D.C.'s Greenworks organization also recieved $150,000 from the Office for Planning and Economic Development's Neighborhood Investment Fund Target Area Grant Program, which supports planned activities to provide business owners in a specific neighborhood with $9,000 in subsidies for green roof expenses.
Conservation Organization Grants
A number of conservation groups provide grants to help offset costs for installing green roofs. For example, the Anacostia Watershed Society provides a green roof rebate for green roof installation activities in the District of Columbia. The program provides base funding of $5 per square foot; new construction projects will be capped at 5,000 square feet, while retrofit projects won't be capped. What's especially exciting about this program is that if your roof has additional features that further advance environmental goals, you may qualify for additional funding.
Other Options
Other ideas for finding funding include your state's Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, which in the past has helped support greening activities. Also try checking with local organizations that support watershed conservation and pollution prevention; plants can intercept and delay rainfall runoff, and slow runoff into streams, meaning that streams may see less erosion and less pollution.
Tags: Environmental Protection, green roof, your state, Department Environmental, Department Environmental Protection, Green Infrastructure, nonpoint source