Homeowners are looking up and seeing green. Elevated Landscape Technologies (ELT) installs living plant material on rooftops as an earth-friendly way to deflect summer heat and reduce storm water runoff.
"Our product is pretty much maintenance-free," says Greg Garner, president of ELT, "and will withstand drought and extreme weather conditions."
The most popular material is sedums, but there is a push towards grasses and other native species that are already acclimatized to our geographical location.
"We are installing more living roofs in the GTA, and also in Vancouver, Montreal and New York," adds Garner, and says the technology is uniquely Canadian and was developed for our climate. "A membrane covers the roof and can be installed over the existing shingles, creating further reductions at landfill sites. It only takes a couple of days and owners have a choice of using pre-grown materials or the green roof can propogate on site."
Homeowners will see a 50% reduction in their air conditioning costs because the plant material absorbs the heat from the sun and it protects the roof membrane from UV degradation.
If an extreme drought hits, the plants shrink and won't expend a lot of energy until it rains again. See the International Home and Garden Show box for details on when Garner will be speaking at the show.
Utilize the power of wind and water
Another way for residents to go green is by harnessing the wind. Bullfrog Power provides Ontarians with low-impact wind and water energy.
"You don't actually get off the grid but continue to draw from it, then we inject the power back to the grid using ecologically certified power," says Jo Coombe, vice president of Bullfrog Power. "All our power comes from the province and meets the rigorous standards of the federal government."
Low impact water power protects indigenous species and local habitats, while instilling measures to preserve fish mortality and their migration patterns. "It's much more environmentally benign and costs a dollar a day more than what you pay now."
Bullfrog's mission is to create a market for green power and says it's a collaborative effort. "Our customers want do something practical and meaningful," says Coombe. "They want a cleaner environment and are investing in the future." For details, visit bullfrogpower.com.
