GROWWEST fosters regional dialogue for encouraging green roof policy; forwarding the design, construction and performance of green roofs in Colorado; and brings together parties united for the green roof cause. As a grass roots organization, it is Growwest’s goal to convince the public and politicians that government policies favoring green roofs are good for the environment and the bottom line.

Green roofs are an integral component of sustainable development in the arid West.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Green Roof Design Guidelines and Maintenance Manual

Now available for free - go to GrowWest.org to download:


Design Guidelines and Maintenance Manual for Green Roofs in the Semi-Arid and Arid West by Leila Tolderlund, LEED AP, GRP, University of Colorado Denver - in collaboration with Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, City and County of Denver, Environmental Protection Agency Region 8, Urban Drainage and Flood Control District, Colorado State University and GrowWest.

This document will give you an understanding of the following:
1. The basic elements of a green roof
2. The benefits associated with green roofs
3. How to select the type of green roof for your project
4. The important technical issues necessary to address during design, implementation and maintenance
5. Maintenance issues which ensure longevity of the green roof
6. Detailed cost variables for green roofs
7. Examples of green roofs through several local case studies


Green roofs have many benefits that are increasingly being identified, measured, and acknowledged by the general public. These benefits include: controlling quantity and quality of stormwater, cooling and cleaning the air, creating habitat for wildlife, conserving energy, extending the life of the roof, and improving aesthetic environments in work and home settings.

Now available for free - go to GrowWest.org