A new green patch has recently been planted in Downtown Binghamton, only its not on the ground. Its on the roof of Binghamton City Hall and the City Council Chambers.
The completed green roof was unveiled on Sept. 22, after construction began this past March. In a statement on March 11, Mayor Richard David said the vegetated 22,500 square-foot roof will catch approximately 325,000 gallons of stormwater runoff annually, with eight stormwater catchers and water intake from plants.
Binghamtons green roof will be a symbol of ongoing progress in sustainability, resiliency and innovation, David said. We continue to lead the region by embracing and securing funding for smart green [projects] as we face the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
$1.6 million of the $2.1 million project was funded by the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), a New York state company which provides financial assistance to infrastructure projects related to water quality. The funding came through its Green Innovation Grant Program, a grant from the EFC for regional stormwater infrastructure.
The project, which was originally announced in Davids 2017 State of the City address, is expected to decrease the strain on the sewage system which catches water runoff, oftentimes polluted from substances on the street. According to Robert Holahan, associate professor of environmental studies and political science at Binghamton University, the roof will put rain into more productive use.
In the combined sewer system areas of the city, this means less volumetric flow during heavy rain events that would otherwise trigger a combined sewer overflow into the Susquehanna River, in the municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) areas of the city, Holahan wrote in an email. This means less volumetric flow picking up garbage and petroleum residue flowing directly into the river.
In addition, green roofs help alleviate the urban heat island effect, a human-caused phenomenon that shows warmer temperatures in urban areas compared to their nearby rural areas. Because of the positive effect green roofs can have on urban heat, Gabriella Vallario, a junior majoring in geography, supports the green roof initiative.
This project will reduce urban heat, thus contributing to aid [the fight against] global warming, Vallario wrote. Any projects that help reduce human interference with the environment is valid and should be promoted.
The green roof can also provide a habitat for birds, bees and other animals, according to Holahan. Saheel Raut, a second-year graduate student studying computer science, said he believes green roofs are a good move by the city and advocates for more solar projects.
[For] buildings where green roofs are difficult to implement, solar roofs would be a perfect replacement, Raut wrote. I heavily support the green roof [initiative], as it clearly shows how it would not only have financial benefits over time but also environmental benefits. Green roofs would be a stride in the right direction.
Although green roofs provide benefits, they are not without their potential downsides, Holahan wrote.
Because these are designed to store water, there is a lot of engineering that goes into making sure that water doesnt seep into the roofs [and] leak into the building, Holahan wrote. To maintain that over time requires regular, costly maintenance. Unfortunately, quite often a green roof is built, and, then, everyone moves on without spending the resources to make sure it is still effective in the long term.
As the city continues to push for ways to become sustainable and cooperative with the environment, Holahan wrote that flooding should be the main issue on the table when it comes to considering green infrastructure projects. In 2005, 2006 and 2011, the city experienced catastrophic floods that damaged already dilapidated buildings. The 2011 flood displaced nearly 20,000 Binghamton residents. In response to the flood, there were many buyback programs which has increased the green space in the floodplains, Holahan wrote.
The most important thing in Binghamtons case is simply to recognize that we are at the confluence of two rivers and that the floodplain zones of the city should not be rebuilt up, Holahan wrote. Leaving the floodplain zones as unconstructed areas is the single, simplest and best thing we can do to prevent future flooding.
Raut wrote that the city should be producing more sustainable projects similar to the green roof.
Climate change is not a hoax, whether or not people acknowledge it, Raut wrote. Project like these will reap rich dividends over time.
Vallario shared similar sentiments about the environment.
Our world [and our environment] is what we rely on and right now it is being compromised, Vallario wrote. Global warming is an immediate threat, and any project that helps reverse its effects should be in motion.
The rest is here:
Green roof project completed at Binghamton City Hall - Binghamton University Pipe Dream
- One charged after $10K check cashed for roof replacement that never started - KCTV 5 - October 17th, 2024 [October 17th, 2024]
- Determining the Tax Write-Off Eligibility of Roof Replacement in 2024 & 2025 - EIN News - October 9th, 2024 [October 9th, 2024]
- Mission school board submits request province to replace buses, aging infrastructure - Mission City Record - September 29th, 2024 [September 29th, 2024]
- How Much Does It Cost To Install A Metal Roof In 2024? Forbes Home - Forbes - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- How Much Does Tile Roof Installation Cost In 2024? - Forbes - March 5th, 2024 [March 5th, 2024]
- 6 Crucial Factors To Consider When Replacing A Roof - FINE Homes and Living - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Signs That Your Roof Needs Repair or Replacement - Flux Magazine - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Thatched roof replaced with slate after insurance warning - Eastern Daily Press - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Selecting the Perfect Roof Replacement for Your Home's Unique Needs - FINE Homes and Living - January 22nd, 2024 [January 22nd, 2024]
- Edina puts a climate neutrality plan into action - Finance and Commerce - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Here's The Italian-Designed Car That Volvo Should Have Replaced ... - The Autopian - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- GH PUD warns of latest scam targeting local residents - KXRO Newsradio - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Carbon emissions can be reduced without sacrificing comfort ... - Orlando Sentinel - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Thatchers working on Beachamwell Church after fire - Eastern Daily Press - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Ukraine: European Union and UNDP restore war-damaged schools ... - euneighbourseast.eu - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- New majors, medical breakthrough signal success for WVU - My Buckhannon - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- At The Carson, They Put All the Best Things on Top - Philadelphia magazine - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Structural Adhesives Market to Hit USD 22.1 billion by 2031, at a ... - GlobeNewswire - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Brooklin gears up for school renovation vote | Community News ... - The Weekly Packet - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Gallery: See what's under construction around the rest of Ithaca this fall - The Ithaca Voice - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Got it Covered: Hills Covered Bridge in Newport reopens - Marietta Times - November 24th, 2023 [November 24th, 2023]
- Business owner will replace dad's dangerous leaking roof as Father's Day gift - Oak Cliff Advocate - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- 3 Kings Roofing LLC Explained Why Roof Inspection and Maintenance are Essential - Digital Journal - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- Leaking roof should have been disclosed - Daily Herald - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- 'What they're doing is quite awesome': Veteran's home gets new roof - The Winchester Star - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- The Ultimate Guide to Storm Restoration - Bring Me The News - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- Lincoln shopping centre roof to be repaired amid water damage issues - Lincolnshire Live - June 21st, 2022 [June 21st, 2022]
- Flatlands Library Closes For One Year While Roof is Replaced - BKLYNER - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- You Need to Avoid These 5 Common Mistakes When Choosing a Roofer - ABCmoney.co.uk - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Le Roy voters approve 1 of 2 capital projects | Top Story | thedailynewsonline.com - The Daily News Online - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Iowa State continuing with gateway bridge into Jack Trice Stadium, thanks to 'generous support' - The Gazette - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- With old Scaife Hall demolished, construction begins on its replacement - CMU The Tartan Online - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Should You Shovel Your Roof, And If So, When? - 1440wrok.com - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- County files suit against companies that operated at airports - Evening Observer - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Dealing with rain, ice on snow-covered roofs - Yahoo News - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Tenant who sawed rafters out of roof and removed a fitted kitchen put couple through a 'living hell', Cork court hears - EchoLive.ie - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- No more 'rats, cats and bats': Mulberry's GEM Theater sparkles again after $2 million renovation - The Ledger - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- More than 140,000 remain without power in Portland area as storm damage comes into sharper focus - OregonLive - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Startup at Ohio Wesleyan University focused on green solutions for soy-based products - The Columbus Dispatch - February 16th, 2021 [February 16th, 2021]
- Column: Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter - Replacing the cattery roof - In Your Area - October 29th, 2020 [October 29th, 2020]
- Tips To Make Your Business Eco-Friendly The Dixon Pilot - Dixon Pilot - October 29th, 2020 [October 29th, 2020]
- Sticker Shock: Why Used-Car Prices Are So High - NPR - October 29th, 2020 [October 29th, 2020]
- Capt. Woodrow Bloxom, the ghost of Fire Station No. 9 - El Paso Times - October 29th, 2020 [October 29th, 2020]
- SMSD officials propose $264 million bond issue as way to address teacher workload concerns - Shawnee Mission Post - October 29th, 2020 [October 29th, 2020]
- Dewey Lifesaving Station roof to be replaced - CapeGazette.com - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Secrets of a stately home's hidden indulgence revealed as roof is replaced - Yorkshire Live - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Former Babalu space to be replaced by new Asian restaurant in Lakeview - Bham Now - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- 'Our confidence went through the roof' - Nick Saban returns and Bama keeps rolling - ESPN - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- How Do Tesla Solar Roofs Work? Behind the Car Company's New Innovation - Green Matters - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Polycarbonate panels selected for roof replacement in Barton ACT - Architecture and Design - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Home of the Week: Immaculate Farmhouse, Acreage and Outbuildings in Spotsylvania - Fredericksburg Today - October 24th, 2020 [October 24th, 2020]
- Not your father's roof: Five big changes in recent years - Daily Commercial - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Drive system on Miller Park roof to be replaced as part of planned ballpark maintenance, board members decide - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- How to install metal roofing: Pros and cons, costs and a DIY-replacement - The Upcoming - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Hampton veteran receives new roof installed by Total Roof Solutions - Henry Herald - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Car Doctor: Solution for rusted roof - The Providence Journal - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Here's what to know about the proposed $8.5 million Arrowhead Union High School District referendum - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- After 61 years, South Mesa Elementary is in need of attention - Pueblo Chieftain - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Seniors in NYCHA Buildings with Poor Ventilation Slammed by COVID-19 - THE CITY - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Two years later, the impacts of Hurricane Michael persist in the Florida Panhandle - Tallahassee Democrat - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- a stained glass roof twists into a spire for this alternative vision of notre dame cathedral - Designboom - October 10th, 2020 [October 10th, 2020]
- Hillsborough County School District to approve HVAC, roof and security upgrades at many schools - ABC Action News - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Fewer capital projects expected by Chautauqua County this year | News, Sports, Jobs - Evening Observer - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- California Was Set To Spend Over $1 Billion to Prevent Wildfires. Then Came COVID-19 - OPB News - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Better Business Bureau warns about free home inspection scams - fredericksburg.today - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Four Protesters Sit on a Tesla's Glass Roof, But Not Why You Might Think - autoevolution - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- All Trades Enterprise Inc Is One of the Top Places for Roof Replacement in Colorado Springs and Pueblo - Press Release - Digital Journal - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Your Guide To The Wayland 2020 Town Election - Patch.com - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Is the Flo smart water monitor still worth it 18 months later? - ZDNet - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Council landed with 77k bill to replace leaky eco roof - Brighton and Hove News - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- When the Hollinger houses got indoor bathrooms and peaked roofs - My Timmins Now - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Planning applications in the Somerset West & Taunton area: June 4, 2020 - Somerset County Gazette - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Cloud traffic through the roof in pandemic - Business Post - June 8th, 2020 [June 8th, 2020]
- Local construction company giving back to heroes of the pandemic - Mountain Democrat - April 21st, 2020 [April 21st, 2020]
- Millions of pounds of investment in Island schools - Isle of Wight Observer - March 3rd, 2020 [March 3rd, 2020]
- Cumberland news - News - The Daily Jeffersonian - March 3rd, 2020 [March 3rd, 2020]
- Michigan March 10th Election: What's On the Ballot and How to Vote In Metro Detroit - WDET - March 3rd, 2020 [March 3rd, 2020]
- School's cool! Gurnard pupils return to a shiny new building after half term - Isle of Wight County Press - March 3rd, 2020 [March 3rd, 2020]
- Amstill Roofing commits to roof repairs for HomeAid nonprofits - Chron.com - February 23rd, 2020 [February 23rd, 2020]
- Hearth, Home and Away showcases Columbus business - WHIZ - February 23rd, 2020 [February 23rd, 2020]