Tuesday, April 7, 2015

What does California's drought mean for the green roof industry?


Some would argue it's long overdue, others think it doesn't go far enough, but the fact that California has it's first water restrictions ever is a game changer. The state has entered a different era and with a mega-drought possible for the state and multiple regions, what California does now may end up being a template for many parts of the American Southwest and Plains.

The living architecture industry is still burgeoning in North America. In a sense, that's great. The industry still has room for growth and innovation. I predict a few things will happen:

-In the green roof industry we'll see more options developed as system providers and developers react appropriately to a new normal. We will probably see more research into drought tolerant plants and maybe even development of "green roofs which aren't green", beige roofs, if you will. I'm thinking xeriscaping on rooftops, with sand being the medium of choice, for the semi-arid regions especially.

-The green wall industry will go through some changes as well. Plants from tropical regions are favored in the industry. With water becoming a more valued resource, I think we'll see green walls featuring a wider array of plants and maybe even more green walls incorporating preserved plants and bryophytes.

The next few years will definitely be interesting!

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