Learn how Toronto’s award-winning Green Roof By-Law and the Toronto Green Standard shaped resilient, climate-positive cities, improved air quality, supported pollinators, and provided energy savings, and why their loss could impact Toronto’s future livability

In this episode, Sustainable Futures sits down with green roof designer, advocate, and industry pioneer Linda S. Velazquez, founder and publisher of Greenroofs.com. Linda reflects on first encountering green roofs in the late 1990s, the early days of the Green Roof Professional accreditation, and how the industry has evolved over the past 25 years. Drawing from her global project database and decades of experience, she shares insights on innovation, emerging trends, market expansion, and what the future holds for green roofs and green walls in North America and beyond. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and the next chapter of living architecture.

Learn why engineered green roof soil is essential for long-term performance and plant health on rooftops. This article explores lightweight, durable green roof growing media, flexible soil systems for diverse applications, deeper soil solutions for amenity-focused roofs, and science-backed product development that meets industry standards and evolving design goals.

What are the most transformative innovations shaping green roofs and green walls today? Leading industry experts share insights on performance-based design, smart irrigation, advanced leak detection, substrate innovation, wind uplift standards, and tech-enabled green walls.

Explore Green Roofs for Healthy Cities’ 2025 achievements and plans for 2026, including professional training milestones, Grey to Green conferences across North America, new industry resources, and a preview of CitiesAlive 2026 in Brooklyn, New York.

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities shares 2025 updates on Grey to Green Conferences, GRIMP Training, new members, and resources for green infrastructure.

Learn about this free multidisciplinary guide by the World Green Infrastructure Network, the European Federation of Green Roof Associations, GRHC and Solar Power Europe. It is about designing, installing, and maintaining solar green roof projects with best practices, along with multiple case studies and supportive public policies.

Soprema has been a pioneer in green roof innovation for over 30 years, shaping the North American industry through research, demonstration projects, and policy advocacy. From launching SOPRANATURE in France to developing cold-climate green roofs in Quebec, Soprema’s work has won award-winning projects.

Explore Green Roofs for Healthy Cities upcoming US events, GRIMP trainings, new resources, and more in this article.

Explore GRHC’s 2025 event lineup, new training opportunities, and industry milestones. Learn about upcoming conferences, GRIMP certifications, and our newest corporate members. Stay informed and get involved in advancing green infrastructure across North America.

The City of Toronto welcomed more than 300 green infrastructure professionals on November 6 to 9 for the 20th anniversary of the CitiesAlive conference. The conference highlights green infrastructure design, research, policy and innovation from across the world. 

In 2024, green roof training, policy achievements, and events thrived. Notable milestones include new GRIMP certifications, expanded professional development, record event attendance, and key partnerships, culminating in the CitiesAlive 20th anniversary in Toronto. Programs and training continue to strengthen urban resilience and sustainable design across North America.

Join us at CitiesAlive 2024 in Toronto from November 6-9 for keynotes, masterclasses, and networking. Explore green roof and solar integration through new courses. Register early, and check upcoming symposiums and events for further professional development.

Founded in 2005, Skyland USA pioneered green roof soil products, adapting to industry demands over 20 years. With innovative blends and strategic partnerships, they've installed 30 million square feet nationwide, catalyzing the growth of green infrastructure in the US.

The synergy between PACE Financing and green roofs/stormwater infrastructure for energy efficiency in commercial buildings is discussed. Eligibility, funding coverage, and successful projects like the Belt Line Center are highlighted, emphasizing financial and environmental benefits.

The Green Roofs for Healthy Cities update highlights new training courses, awards submissions, upcoming events, certifications, and new members in the green roof industry, emphasizing integration, innovation, and professional development opportunities.

Urban agriculture offices promote local produce in cities, like rooftop farms in New York and San Francisco. Washington D.C.'s Office of Urban Agriculture aims to expand food production, integrate landscapes, and educate communities, aligning with sustainability goals and fostering economic activity.

As someone who is passionate about sustainable practices and eager to advance in the environmental industry, the decision to enroll in the hands on Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Training and Certification just made sense. Learn more about the new GRIMP training and certification.

This article explores the many benefits of using Carlisle SynTec Systems’ new 16 Foot TPO rolls, resulting in fewer seams to have to weld together resulting in greater application efficiency. 

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities celebrates a successful 2023, promoting green roofs and inspiring community initiatives. As they enter 2024's Legacy year, the focus is on recognizing pioneering cities, fostering collaboration, and planning for a sustainable urban future.