Green Roofs For Healthy Cities Launches Advocacy Campaign in Support of Bill H.R. 1863 - The Public School Rooftop Program
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), the industry association for professionals in the green roof and wall industry, has launched a federal advocacy campaign to support the passage of H.R. 1863 – 117th United States Congress: Public School Green Rooftop Program, and its inclusion in the American Jobs Plan. This legislation, sponsored by Rep. Nydia Velázquez of Brooklyn, NY, would allocate $500 million of federal funding over four years to plan, build, and maintain green roof infrastructure for students in public schools K-12 across America.
“H.R. 1863 has a multitude of benefits that align perfectly with The American Jobs Plan,” said Matt Barmore, GRP, Chair, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.
“A detailed analysis conducted by The Green Infrastructure Foundation, found that the passage of H.R. 1863 will support the creation of nearly 29,000 direct and indirect jobs in design, manufacturing, construction and maintenance of green roofs on hundreds of school buildings across the nation. It’s vitally important that all who are part of the green roof and wall industry participate in GRHC’s advocacy campaign,” he added.
H.R. 1863’s inclusion in the American Jobs Plan will also contribute to a more sustainable and equitable job force by contributing employment opportunities in economically depressed neighborhoods. With a projected 14 million square feet of green roofs implemented, there will be an estimated $378 million in benefits to school districts through GHC sequestration, energy cost savings, increased roof longevity, and more. The Bill will also provide an estimated $264 million in community benefits in areas such as climate change adaptation, with improved stormwater management, better air quality, and a reduction in the urban heat island effect.
“The passage of H.R. 1863 will deliver immediate benefits to students, teachers, and the community at large. It will provide students with access to safe, outdoor education spaces that can be used to provide hands-on STEM and arts education.” said Steven W. Peck, GRP, Founder and President, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities. “We need everyone who cares about the green roof industry and improving outdoor education for children to support this Bill”, he added.
Show your support for H.R. 1863 by sending a letter to your Congressperson asking them for their support by using the tools available at https://greenroofs.org/advocacy
Background
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is a member-led industry association dedicated to the development of the green roof and wall industry across North America through research, professional development, celebrations of excellence and advocacy. www.greenroofs.org
From the Living Architecture Academy
