Gant Plaza Green Roof
Energy Efficient & Environmentally Friendly Design
A Green Roof is an aesthetically pleasing alternative in the struggle to increase energy efficiency and foster environmental stewardship. A sophisticated form of rooftop garden, a Green Roof will reduce storm water runoff and improve water quality by retaining and filtering rainwater. Additional benefits include reductions in heating and cooling costs for the building hosting the green roof, and a lessening of the "heat island" effect common in urban areas.
The Gant Plaza Green Roof project, which began two years ago as a student led initiative of the UConn Soil and Water Conservation Society, is now a reality with the approval of a $50,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Natural Resource Management & Engineering (NRME) faculty member, Jack Clausen, also the advisor to the SWCS, has led the effort on this project and is working with Civil & Environmental Engineering faculty and others on plans to research the impact the green roof will have on reducing stormwater runoff from the plaza into the nearby Eagleville Brook.
Students from EcoHusky, EcoHouse, Soil and Water Conservation Society and the Ecogarden all gathered on September 2, 2009 along with many staff and faculty to assemble UConn's first ever Green Roof! Midway through the process was a dedication ceremony.
Click here to view pictures from the event!
News Coverage:
Click here to see the Green Roof featured on NBC!
Click here to see the Green Roof featured in UConn Today!
Click here to see the Green Roof featured in the Daily Campus!
PHOTOS
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