In December 2015, Philadelphia City Council approved legislation allowing developers to build additional dwelling units in certain zoning districts when qualifying green roofs are installed on the buildings. Since then 28 projects have taken advantage of the density bonus, greening rooftops across Philadelphia and aiding city stormwater management. At least another seven projects are in the pipeline.
 
On the beautiful green roof at Bridge on Race October 4, the benefits of green roofs to builders, residents and the city at large were highlighted. Councilwoman-At-Large Blondell Reynolds Brown, who introduced the legislation and also sponsored a bill doubling the tax incentive for building green roofs, opened the program by speaking about her vision for a more sustainable city.

PWD's Deputy Commissioner of Planning and Environmental Services Marc Cammarata gave an overview and progress report on the department's green stormwater management plan, Green City, Clean Waters, and the importance of private land/development projects in meeting its goals. And Victoria Lenoci, Manager of Private Development Services for PWD, provided information on the application and approval process, inspection and closeout, and maintenance. Click to view the PWD presentation and handouts on Green Roofs, the Green Roof Density Bonus, and Green Roof Maintenance. 

BIA VP and president of E-Built Jim Maransky, gave an overview of green roofs and their advantages from the builder's perspective, including a detailed cost-benefit analysis of two case study projects. Click here to view Jim's presentation. 

The event concluded with a networking reception and tour of the building features. View the event photo album.

Thanks to Brown Hill Development and everyone at Bridge on Race for hosting this great event for the BIA. Appreciation also goes to our event sponsors below, the Green Committee and its co-chairs Jim Maransky and Laila Reilly of MaGrann Associates.