Science Center to add green roof open to public
The Maryland Science Center plans to begin reinforcing its southside of the building Monday in anticipation of building a green roof that eventually will be open to for public viewing.
Details aren't totally worked out, but the center is working with Tecta America Corp. on planning and construction. The roof will be adjacent to the museum's observatory and will take up more than 4,000 square feet of roof space.
When the roof is done, the Science Center will join a bunch of others in the area with green roofs, including the Baltimore Hilton Convention Center Hotel and Sinai Hospital, which opened a whole eco-friendly expansion yesterday.
Green roofs, while a bit costly to install because of their weight, pay off in energy efficiency down the road, supporters say. They also help the roof last longer, provide a sound barrier and cut down on stormwater runoff.
And aren't they nice to look at?
Baltimore Sun file photo of the Maryland Science Center
Comments
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Posted by: Linda Kabrich | July 6, 2009 12:11 PM
I am of the opinion that it is always smarter to consult on design of a roof with a roofing consultant (i.e. design professional) instead of a roofing contractor, especially where that contractor is to be the installer. Mixing design and construction carries with it more opportunity for conflict of interest than is acceptable. Why not have one firm design and put the work out for bid?
Posted by: Mike | July 6, 2009 2:57 PM
One of the best parts about a "Green" Vegetative roof is the fact that they stay cool even in the summer, thus reducing the typical heat island effect that causes the city to be 8-10 degrees hotter than the outlying areas.
Posted by: Stan Sersen | July 6, 2009 6:05 PM
It's interesting - and satisfying - to see the many ways in which people are implementing "Green" ideas, and we should be particular to patronize "Green" accommodations whether traveling for business or holiday. Until a preponderance of facilities have been either constructed or converted, however, ascertaining which truly are "Green" - or just "greenwashed" - can be a very real problem!
A dedicated "Green" web site, iStayGreen.org, is helping to make environmentally friendly lodging easy to find and book.
iStayGreen.org is currently the most frequented online booking site for "Green" lodging
(http://www.istaygreen.org). Over 3,500 of the properties listed are environmentally friendly and have been awarded the Green Eco-Leaf Rating.
The eco initiatives of the property are clearly listed. Users are encouraged to contribute "Green" Reviews and environmentally rate the hotels they visit.
It's like Tripadvisor - Facebook - Travelocity all together in one site for the environmentally conscious traveler.
Posted by: Green Accommodations | July 10, 2009 12:47 AM
Awesome! Kudos to the Science Center!
Posted by: Jen | July 13, 2009 12:34 PM
It will provide environment friendly atmosphere and is safer in the summer for heat protection.
Posted by: Eric John | July 28, 2009 4:05 AM
We offer the only invisible modular fully vegetated green roof system
on the market. Most green roofs are installed brown and take years to vegetate. Please visit www.plantedroof.com for addtional info. Thanks.
Posted by: Dana McIntyre | August 13, 2009 4:54 PM