Farley Among First Accredited Green Roof Professionals In North America
PBS&J Senior Landscape Architect Robert Farley has a passion for learning, and his most recent accomplishment has him shouting from rooftops—or more like planting from rooftops. Farley was one of the 126 participants in the inaugural class of accredited green roof professionals (GRPs); he is one of only two accredited GRPs in Florida. The accreditation is designated by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, a not-for-profit industry association of green roof experts in North America. Farley and his classmates successfully passed a multidisciplinary exam after completing coursework in four major areas: design, construction, waterproofing and drainage, and vegetation and growing media.
"The use of green roofs is being strongly encouraged to help reduce stormwater run-off and ambient temperatures, especially in urban areas," said Farley. "And here in Florida, green roofs are being considered as part of the stormwater treatment strategy as the state Department of Environmental Protection prepares to revamp stormwater regulations to meet requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency."
A "green roof" is not a roof that is simply green in color. It is covered with vegetation and soil and planted over a waterproofing membrane, drainage layer, and root protection fabric. Underneath, the green roof is similar to the traditional roof to which most people are accustomed. The presence of the green roof can increase the life expectancy of a traditional roof because it protects the traditional roof from the elements, helps to insulate the building it covers, and serves as a natural filtration for surface water pollutants like nitrogen and phosphorous.
"I think we owe it to ourselves and our clients to keep up with the latest trends in our profession, so that we can continue to make a difference in the communities we serve," said Farley. "Promoting the use of green roofs requires close working relationships of interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and landscape architects—all technical professionals that PBS&J already has under one roof."
Farley recently presented at the Florida Chamber of Commerce's annual Environmental Permitting Summer School. His presentation, "Opportunities and Constraints for Extensive and Semi-Intensive Green Roofs in Florida," focused on the unique challenges Florida faces as green roofs are further explored, which include selecting effective native plant material, evaluating planting design, providing habitat in urban areas for migrating species that enter and exit from coastal regions, and designing with the threat of wind uplift from hurricanes and tropical storms in mind.
About PBS&J
PBS&J is an employee-owned company that provides landscape architecture, environmental science, engineering, infrastructure planning, construction management, architecture, and program management services to public and private clients. The firm is ranked by Engineering News-Record as 30th among the nation's top consulting firms. PBS&J has nearly 3,900 employees and more than 80 offices across the United States and abroad. For more information visit www.pbsj.com
SOURCE: PBS&J