December 5, 2005

Product Manufacturers, Suppliers, Contractors Offer Assistance with ASLA Green Roof
Benefactors helping close budget gap due to “Kat-Rita” cost increases.

A number of the top product manufacturers, suppliers, and contractors in the business have generously offered donations and discounts to help close the ASLA green roof budget gap created by increased materials and labor costs due to the Gulf Coast hurricanes. 

“Each of these companies, products, and services were identified by our landscape architects, architect, and general contractor as top choices for our green roof due to their expertise in green roof technology and strong support of the landscape architecture profession,” said Nancy Somerville, executive vice president of ASLA. “We are very grateful that these outstanding companies have agreed to help us build this landmark demonstration project for the design and construction industry and position the landscape architecture profession at the forefront of this emerging technology.”

Last month, the ASLA Board of Trustees voted overwhelmingly to proceed with the project on schedule despite significant budget increases by securing funding through an equity loan. The Board then set a goal of raising $350,000 in contributions, product donations, and construction service discounts to reduce the cost of the project.

The largest part of the project cost, approximately $600,000, is for the architectural component, extending the stairwell to create access to the roof. The new green roof will comfortably accommodate 20 people at a time. The green roof portion of the project—including the two "waves," the grating over sedum, and the extensive plantings on the stairwell pavilion—totals $350,000, or about $115 per square foot. Using a grating over sedum instead of hardscape for walking surfaces means that more than 90 percent of the roof will be green. One of the most attractive benefits of the green roof is that it extends the life of the roof by three or four times that of a conventional roof. Assuming a conventional roof would have to be replaced every 10 years, the cost of conventional roof replacement over the life of the green roof would be very comparable in cost. 

The fair market values of each of the product donations and discounts are still being calculated, but combined with the cash contributions (LAND Online, November 21), mean ASLA is well on its way to meeting its budget for the project. LAND Online will highlight each company contributing products and services to the project. Companies will also be recognized on permanent signage and receive a number of other promotional considerations in appreciation for their support.

Donations are still being sought for other products, including intensive plantings, Ipe wood, concrete masonry units, glass, the door, and concrete. Companies interested in donating or discounting any of these products for the project may contact Ann Looper, ASLA’s director of public relations and resource development, at 202-216-2369 or alooper@asla.org.

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