Landscape Architects
The LA’s
Trusted Resource
“A pleasure to work with.”
— Patrick Li, OALA, CSLA (FELLOW), ASLA
Focused on Project Success
Resources for Landscape Architects
Stormwater Calculations
Plant Suggestions & Survivability Reports
Comprehensive Reference Library
Project-Specific Wind Assessment & P.Eng Stamped Letters
Guidance with the City of Toronto Construction Standard
Options to meet the Toronto Green Standard TGS v4
Provide You Completed & Signed Green Roof Declaration Forms
Consultations with Engineers, Architects & Irrigation Consultants
Educational Webinars on All the Above
FAQs
How can Landscape Architects expand their portfolios & increase their scope of work?
Sustainable technologies such as green roofs can help expand your portfolio and increase your scope of work. Using green roofs as a stormwater management tool, in particular, adds a lot of value to the landscape architect’s role as it brings you to the table sooner, since the civil design is carried out so early in the project’s life. In addition, your green roof designs become an essential component of the stormwater management strategy, that cannot be simply taken out of the design if the project goes over budget.
What is a multi-disciplinary approach to successful green roof implementation?
A successful green roof requires a multidisciplinary approach with collaboration between different parties. The first thing we see on a green roof are the plants and beautiful landscape design – the creative work of the landscape architect. If we look deeper, we see the architect has carefully designed the roof to support the added load and waterproof it properly. Even deeper, we see the civil and mechanical engineers work incorporating the green roof into the overall site stormwater management & energy calculations. Last but not least, the owner has been in the driver’s seat expressing their goal for the green roof and if it meets the local bylaw or municipal requirements.
How does NLSM collaborate with Landscape Architects?
NLSM advises on system build-up and provides information on plant selection, pollinator design strategy, how to meet irrigation requirements, as well as how to manage canopy and shading. NLSM is expert in the Toronto Green Standard v4 (TGSv4) and offers several green roof system options to meet design intent.
Do you offer learning sessions? Can I get Continuing Education (CE) credits?
NLSM’s green roof expert Dr. Karen Liu, and design ambassador Sasha Aguilera present free, live educational webinars to industry colleagues. Proof of attendance is issued for Continuing Education Hours (CE), Professional Development Hours (PDH), Continued Professional Development hours (CPD), Structured Learning Hours and Learning Units (LU). Please see the current webinar offerings below and register free.
In-Person Presentations or Live Webinars
Engineering Green Roofs for CoV’s Rainwater Management Plan
Green roofs play a key role in the City of Vancouver’s (CoV) new simplified rainwater management (RWM) requirements for new Part 3 buildings that took effect on Jan 1. We will learn how to design green roofs to help meet CoV’s retention/detention requirements and when upgrading to a blue-green roof can increase ROI.
Engineering Green Roof Systems to Optimize SWM 2.0
2.0 is a deep dive into the latest stormwater retention and detention technologies. Learn to use modeling to meet water balance and quantity control targets through initial abstraction and irrigation water reuse. Recognize opportunities and limitations. Case study demonstrates performance and cost savings.
Strategies to Meet Policy & Design Goals in Toronto
Check off multiple requirements set by the Toronto Green Standard (TGS) & Wet Weather Flow Management Guidelines (WWFMG). Success requires collaboration between architect, landscape architect & engineers, as well as understanding components, their functions & selection criterion to achieve specific goals.
NutsN’Bolts: A-Z of Essential Tips to Achieve Success
This three part series navigates through the complete green roof process; from recognizing opportunities, to planning, to material selection and system design with emphasis on stormwater management, to specifications and drawings, to clarity in construction documents and, finally green roof aftercare and maintenance for long term success. (3 hours over 3 weeks)
Cost Saving Strategies to Meet Toronto’s Green Roof Policy
Love ’em or hate ’em green roofs are everywhere and can check off multiple requirements set out by the Toronto Green Standard (TGS) and the Wet Weather Flow Management Guidelines (WWFMG). This webinar explores functions and selection criterion, and the collaboration between architect, landscape architect and engineer to achieve specific design goals.
Wind Design for Modular Vegetated Roof Assemblies
Webinar about the CSA A123.24: Standard Test Method for the Wind Resistance of Modular Vegetated Roof Assembly (VRA) reviews the two key test components that measure wind uplift and wind flow resistances. Videos & case studies help demonstrate how VRAs behave at different wind pressures and wind speeds.
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