LEEDing the Way

Chicago, America’s green roof capital, is LEEDing the way with over 2.5 million square feet of green roofs including extensive vegetated roof installations at O’Hare and Midway International Airports.

315,000 SQFT Visible to Millions of Passengers

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has the most green roofs of any airport in the world. Its environmental commitment is highly visible as green roofs span the size of six football fields. These may be seen by more than 90 million passengers traveling over its skies every year.

Green roofs at airports are practical and cost effective

Pre-vegetated systems such as Sherway Garden’s are the most practical and cost effective to install. Operational and maintenance cost savings are achieved from increased roof life span, energy use reduction, and storm water quantity/quality management. Additional benefits achieved include a reduction in noise and heat islands, air quality protection, and enhanced aesthetics.

CDA Case Study Potential Cost Savings/Energy Savings

Read the CDA case study by Ricondo aviation consultants that details the potential cost savings and benefts. The life cycle cost summary illustrates the savings on energy and re-roofing as well as other benefits and their monetary estimates. The American Society of Civil Engineers offers another report available here.

Watch Chicago Dept of Aviation Video

More than 2M SQFT coast to coast