Project: Raise the Roof

The green roof team of the ECO-Reps at JHU is working on an initiative to increase understanding of green roof technology and benefits, as well as awareness of green roofs on the Homewood campus, among students.  We plan to implement programs that educate the student body about the benefits of sustainable green roofs and their important to resource conservation.  WE also hope that by increasing student support for such programs, our campus will become more sustainable and have the impetus needed to contribute using this and other techniques that improve environmental performance of campus infrastructure.

Currently, the Mattin Center at Johns Hopkins, an architecturally unique building on the main undergraduate campus and one of the main student gathering sites, has low, accessible roofs that are used for pedestrian traffic.

The goal of this project is to educate students about the benefits of green roofs, and this central location provides a prime space for installing a functional green roof to mitigate stormwater runoff, while also serving as a tangible and interactive educational display for the campus community. There also will be sample cross sections on display in planter boxes that exist around the perimeter of the roof space. Complementing this setup will also be a kiosk posted nearby to thoroughly explain environmental and cost benefits of the roofs. We will also conduct other outreach through interactive opportunities, like a garden party. It is at this event, ideally to take place during our campus’ Earth Week program, attendees will participate in an activity to learn about green roofs and conservation. Finally, we plan to work with the university to spread awareness at a home lacrosse game. This “Green Lacrosse Game” will involve other environmental groups on campus where we will provide tours of the green roof installed on the lacrosse building, work with fans to ensure all waste is recycled and composted correctly, and provide other tips and activities that encourage fans to learn about sustainability at Johns Hopkins and beyond.