In another effort that illustrates the City of Boston’s commitment to green technology, environmental awareness, and energy efficiency, Mayor Thomas M. Menino broke ground today on City Hall’s new green roof.

“I am determined to make the City of Boston a leader in green technology. Not only will it keep us on the cutting edge; it also just makes good sense -- for our budgets and for our environment. Today more than ever, we have to be creative and innovative when it comes to environmental issues and energy efficiency,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

The Mayor was joined by Boston Redevelopment Authority Director Mark Maloney, City of Boston Chief of Environment and Energy Jim Hunt, and Stephanie Pollack of Blue Wave Strategies, an environmental consulting firm, to unveil modular pre-grown gardens installed on the 8th and 9th floor terraces of City Hall. Subsequent installations are planned for late October and next spring. The installation of the greenery features 12 varieties of sedum, a species common for rooftops because they have high water-retention capability, an ability to filter pollution, and are hearty. It will become a living laboratory for city officials as they learn what plants work best and it will become a resource for developers and individuals interested in exploring green roof technologies.

The $30,000 project, funded in part by the BRA, Skanska USA, and the Kendall Foundation, includes the 150 modular gardens, pieces of sculpture, decorative edging along the containers, as well as tables and chairs, and will enhance and beautify the terraces in addition to the invaluable educational benefits it brings. The 9th floor terrace features sculptures by artists Leslie Wilcox and Peter Lipsitt; art work will be installed on a rotating basis.

“We are proud to be a part of this exciting project that will not only become a valuable learning tool, it will also become a pleasant destination with City Hall. We are proud to serve with Mayor Menino, who has proven himself so committed to these important issues and willing to explore creative ways to incorporate environmentally sound strategies throughout the city,” said BRA Director Mark Maloney.

Green roofs have many environmental benefits. They reduce storm water runoff and help improve air quality by filtering out pollutants and preventing smog. Green roofs also cool the surface of the roof, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems.

The green roof project comes on the heels of a number of environmental announcements and initiatives spearheaded by Mayor Menino. Earlier this week, the Mayor launched the “Sneakers on Statues” campaign to encouraging the public to walk the city of Boston to save on skyrocketing gas prices. Continuing to take the lead on green issues, the Mayor also unveiled his new fuel-efficient vehicle. Illustrating the strides Boston has made in promoting its reputation as a city on the cutting edge of green technology, Boston will host the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities in May 2006.

In 2003, Mayor Menino also convened the Green Building Task Force to identify ways to advance green buildings in Boston. In 2004, the Task Force released a series of recommendations that include requiring all City-owned developments to achieve a LEED™ Silver certification and all large projects in Boston to be LEED™ certifiable. Green roofs are one way developers can earn LEED™ points and build buildings that are better for the environment.

Benefits of Green Roofs

• Lessen Stormwater Impacts: Roof plantings absorb rain fall reducing stormwater runoff and clean some pollutants from the rainwater.

• Improved Air Quality: Plants collect dust and other pollutants – literally filtering them out of the air – and take in carbon dioxide and generate oxygen.

• Lessen Urban Heat Island Effect - asphalt and black rooftops trap heat and radiate it back into the air; green roofs keep building tops cool and help prevent the urban “heat island” effect.

• Reduce Energy Costs - city rooftops can reach 175˚F increasing the energy demand to cool the interior. Green roofs also provide an extra layer of insulation, reducing heating costs.

• Extended Roof Life – plant modulars protect roof membranes against UV radiation, extreme temperatures and punctures.

• Reduce Noise - Green roofs can reduce the noise pollution by as much as 40 decibels

• Improve Aesthetics – pleasant to view, green roofs add value to real estate and have been shown to increase worker happiness and productivity.

Press Contact: Meredith Baumann, 617.918.4351.