Thanks Bronx! Green Rooves Getting a Big Boost! (apartment, rental)

[Guywithacause]

As you may or may not know, the Bronx, in particular the South Bronx, is leading the way in greening initiatives for NYC, including the creation of parkspace, greenways, restoration of the Bronx River, tree plantings, bike lanes, and now green rooves!

State legislature approves tax breaks for rooftop gardens

Sustainable South Bronx has worked with the city to craft a tax break of $4.50 per sf for any homeowner who installs a green roof, which is essentially a garden atop the roof that greatly reduces wastewater, leaky rooves, provides flowers/greening for cleaner air, and a mini oasis in the city.

I encourage all homeowners, if they are needing to replace their roof, to research the green roof option, as it is good for the environment, beautiful, and reduces energy usage by about 10-20% per year! And with electric rates going up astronomically every year..the savings are substantial. If you are a renter, please forward the article to your LL, or discuss with them all the financial and environmental benefits of green rooves.

Thank you South Bronx!

[NooYowkur81]

I'm curious as to how these roofs look. Do you happen to have a pic or a link Guy?

[BronxPride]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

I'm curious as to how these roofs look. Do you happen to have a pic or a link Guy?

It's just vegetation or a garden on top of your roof. Here's a neat pic. I'm green with envy!

http://www.apartmentwiz.com/images/a...green_roof.jpg

[Pete Piper]

I wonder how many they've actually done. I think they a great idea, but I don't see the benefit for the building owner if it's a rental building, since the main economic savings are related to cooling costs, which the tenant is responsible for anyway.

[Guywithacause]

No actually it is not just the economic savings of cooling, as aesthetically, these buildings look phenomenally better with gardens on top, as well as the value of having a rooftop garden available to tenants, a big rental premium.

And let's not forget, it does wonders for the environment..and that is something we all ultimately pay for.

[Rudbeckia]

Originally Posted by Pete Piper

I wonder how many they've actually done. I think they a great idea, but I don't see the benefit for the building owner if it's a rental building, since the main economic savings are related to cooling costs, which the tenant is responsible for anyway.

There are also tax benefits but I am not exactly sure how many people benefit from the tax breaks. I know the designers and the contractors do.

There are many saving other than coolings, storm water runoff is a huge benefit. Green roofs act as insulation for the winter months as well, to reduce heating cost. They also reduces noise and air pollution. Every roof in NYC should be a green roof!!!!



Here is a rendering of what it might look like one day:





Pretty cool right?

[Guywithacause]

Yes...hopefully the next Mayor will mandate all commercial buildings in the city must have greenrooves!!

[NooYowkur81]

Originally Posted by BronxPride

It's just vegetation or a garden on top of your roof. Here's a neat pic. I'm green with envy!

http://www.apartmentwiz.com/images/a...green_roof.jpg

I think it looks kinda weird. My urban eyes are not used to it. But if its good for the environment it's all good with me.

[Rudbeckia]

Originally Posted by NooYowkur81

I think it looks kinda weird. My urban eyes are not used to it. But if its good for the environment it's all good with me.

I think it looks fabulous. The greener NYC is the better.

[Pete Piper]

I hope green roofs do become widespread. I think they're great for the environment, but I'm skeptical that they will catch on without greater tax incentives. They are not very visible from the street on a flat roof, and I think that you're not supposed to walk on them (but of course access could be provided).