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11

City of

CampbellRiver

July 20, 2010

2010 Community Excellence AwardsUnion of BC Municipalities60 - 10551 Shellbridge WayRichmond, BC V6X 2W9

Attention: Joslyn Young, Executive Coordinator

Dear Ms. Young:

Re: 2010 UBCM Community Excellence Awards

Please let this letter confirm my support for the City of Campbell River's application to the 2010UBCM Community Excellence Awards in the Leadership & Innovation category for our City HallGreen Roof Retrofit project.

Yours Truly,

Roy GrantActing MayorCity of Campbell River

City of Campbell River301 St. Ann's Road, Campbell River, B.C. V9W 4C7

Telephone: 250.286.5700

UBCM COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION CATEGORY

CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER GREEN ROOF

PROJECT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Page 1 of 1

In November 2009, the City of Campbell River became the first municipality in British Columbia to complete a green roof retrofit to an existing City Hall. The upper roof is modeled after rocky bluffs in the coastal range including those visible on Quadra Island and is comprised of 15,000 sedum plugs and 1,200 square feet of wildflowers. The recessed courtyard area converts previously unoccupied, visually unappealing roof space into a social gathering place for staff and visitors that recognizes the City's sister city of Ishikari, Japan by mimicking the appearance of a Japanese style garden. It features two Japanese maples, over 1,100 shrubs, succulents, ferns and wildflowers, seating for 15 and an overhead pergola for shelter. The Green Roof is designed to be self-sustaining and require little maintenance, doubling the life-span of the roof from 25 to 50 years by protecting the roofing membrane from UV radiation, temperature variations and physical damage. The vegetation consists of locally occurring, drought tolerant species that require minimal watering and maintenance after the establishment period. The increased building insulation from the growing medium and vegetation layer is anticipated to reduce the need for heating and cooling in the building by up to 25%, helping to moderate temperatures inside the building, reduce heating and ventilation costs, and improve employee comfort. The vegetation on the roof will also act as a carbon sink, collecting and storing CO2 as well as particulates from the air, thereby reducing the City's carbon footprint. The Green Roof will reduce storm water runoff through the vegetation and growing medium which store rainwater and release it slowly through evaporation. With our Green Roof retrofit to City Hall, we demonstrated leadership in environmental sustainability by implementing the first Green Roof in Campbell River. The Green Roof initiative exemplifies Campbell River's commitment to the BC Climate Action Charter, requiring carbon neutrality by 2012, and implementation of the City of Campbell River's Green City Strategy.

UBCM COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AWARDS LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION CATEGORY

CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER GREEN ROOF

PROJECT SUMMARY

Page 1 of 5

In 2007 the City of Campbell River signed onto the BC Climate Action Charter committing to become carbon neutral with respect to our operations by 2012. Staff recognized an opportunity to demonstrate the City’s commitment towards long-term sustainability and Council’s Green City Strategy when the roof on Campbell River’s City Hall was approaching the end of its useful life and required replacement in 2008. Rather than continue with business as usual staff explored alternate options with a view to showcase triple bottom line benefits and sustainable green building practices. That vision was realized in November 2009 when Campbell River became the first municipality in British Columbia to complete a green roof retrofit to an existing City Hall. The project was the co-winner of the 2010 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Awards in the Buildings Category. The Green Roof consists of 10,500 square feet of extensive and intensive green roof vegetation and an accessible roof deck area. It features a recessed courtyard which is visible from 2nd floor offices and an expansive upper roof which still provides functionality for existing ventilation and wireless equipment. Although the roof is irrigated, plant species have been specially chosen to be drought-tolerant and locally occurring to reduce water usage and maintenance. The roof courtyard converted a previously unoccupied, visually unappealing outdoor space to a usable amenity area. The Green Roof has become a social gathering space for staff, is used for meetings, and hosts educational tours. The design of the courtyard mimics a secluded Japanese garden in recognition of Campbell River’s sister city of Ishikari, Japan. Design elements include flowing gardens, warm paint tones, natural wood, and features that are slowly revealed as one enters the rooftop garden. The growing medium consists of a lightweight blend of volcanic pumice and organic material that mounds up to 3’. Vegetation in the courtyard consists of two Japanese maples and over 1,100 shrubs, succulents, ferns, and wildflower species including Oregon Grape, Stonecrop, Tiger Lily, Coastal Strawberry, Sword Fern, Clematis and others. A cedar deck has seating for 15 and an overhead pergola for shelter. The courtyard also houses a worm bin for on-site composting in the building. Compost will be used for growing vegetables and fruit on the roof allowing staff to partake in a ’10 yard diet’ during summer barbecues.

Recessed roof Courtyard viewed from above.

GREEN ROOF PROJECT SUMMARY 

Page 2 of 5

The design of the upper roof is modeled after rocky bluffs in the coastal range such as those on Quadra Island, visible from the rooftop. Previously a dull grey expanse, the converted green roof is now a colourful meadow that significantly improves the view for neighbouring properties and creates a large area of undisturbed urban habitat for flora and fauna. Due to structural limitations the growing medium on the upper roof is limited

at 2.5” in depth. Vegetation on the upper roof consists of 9,500 square feet of planted area featuring 15,000 sedum plugs and 1,200 square feet of wildflowers. Banded patterns of plantings include various stonecrop species, alumroot, wooly sunflower, and sea thrift. Stone pathways and

edge pavers allow access to all areas of the roof. Perimeter guardrails and new stairway allow all areas of the Green Roof to be safety accessed. Design of the Green Roof was completed jointly by the City’s contracted roofing inspector and a landscape architect who specializes in Green Roof design. Several City departments participated in various elements of the project including Facilities-Property, Information Services (the City’s wireless equipment is based on the roof), Sustainability, and Human Resources (for safety issues and contractor coordination during construction). Many stakeholders were consulted during and after construction including the local Library Manager who lived in Japan for several years and assisted with theme elements in the courtyard. The project continues to lead to collaboration among City departments and the broader community. Staff and visitors have been a valuable source of ideas on ways to improve amenities and features of the roof and Courtyard. One example of collaboration is the compost demonstration project that is run by City staff, supported with advice from the community Compost Educator, and used as an educational tool for local students through the local Eco Schools Program. Construction was completed by a local roofing company and Vancouver Island based landscaping firm specializing in green roofs. Refitting an existing public administration building with this type of technology posed unique challenges that required staff and consultants to find innovative solutions. Much of the loading and offloading of soil and plants was done outside of regular business hours in the early morning or evening to limit impact on staff and visitors. Structural limitations only allowed a very thin amount of soil on the upper roof so species were specially chosen to survive in low amounts of growing medium and arid conditions. A new stairwell and perimeter guardrails were installed so all areas of the roof can be safely accessed by visitors and City staff.

View of the Green Roof from 9th Avenue behind City Hall.

Banded patterns of plantings on the upper roof.

GREEN ROOF PROJECT SUMMARY 

Page 3 of 5

The Green Roof retrofit project was 100% funded with Federal Gas Tax money administered in BC by the UBCM through the Community Works Fund. This funding must be applied to environmentally sustainable municipal infrastructure projects that contribute to reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, cleaner water, or cleaner air. This project meets all three criteria while providing multiple triple bottom line (environmental, social, and economic) benefits. The Green Roof is an example of emerging sustainable building practices. It is the first Green Roof in Campbell River and Campbell River City Hall is one of the first civic buildings in Canada to receive a complete green roof retrofit to an existing building. The roof meets the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) credit for ‘Heat Island Reduction’ with the vegetated area > 50% of the roof surface. The environmental benefits of this project include storm water runoff retention, C02 and airborne particulate matter uptake, reduced urban heat island effect, creation of habitat for flora and fauna, and reduced GHG emissions. The rooftop's vegetation filters fine airborne particulate matter at a rate of approximately 500 kg/year. The rooftop plants also absorb greenhouse gases such as C02 through photosynthesis and sequester them in their leaves. While measurement of carbon sequestration for Green Roofs is a relatively new science and applicable monitoring techniques are not yet available, the roof's selected plant species are known to be 1.5x as efficient at removing CO2 from the atmosphere compared to other drought tolerant species. Select studies on green roofs are underway through the Centre for the Advancement of Green Roof Technology at the

British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). Extensive green roofs absorb and/or deflect solar radiation, reducing the Urban Heat Island Effect. Green Roofs retain storm-water through the vegetation and growing medium which store rainwater and then release it through evaporation. The total reduction in runoff volume is estimated at 20% (up to 100% per precipitation event in the dry season and between 12-65% per event during the wet season). The roof on City Hall was previously an unoccupied, unappealing, unused outdoor

space. The Green Roof retrofit has had a tremendous social impact by creating a gathering and meeting space for City Hall employees thereby improving the work place environment. Throughout the summer months and into September, monthly staff barbeques are held in the courtyard, often attracting more than 50% of building staff. The courtyard area includes tables and chairs for 15 people, and staff frequently use the roof for meetings and lunches on a seasonal basis. One of the City's meeting rooms overlooks the Green Roof and often leads to engagement with the public about the roof and the City's Green City initiatives.

Cedar deck with seating for 15 and overhead pergola.

GREEN ROOF PROJECT SUMMARY 

Page 4 of 5

The Green Roof project has demonstrated the City's leadership in environmental initiatives and amplified the community's interest in the concept of the Green Roofs, green building principles and the City’s Green City Strategy. The City arranges tours for visitors and interested members of the public, including school groups. The Green Roof will also improve quality of life for nearby residents by improving views for property owners directly behind City Hall and any vehicles travelling along 9th Avenue which overlooks the building. Campbell River's Corporate Green Team has taken inspiration from the Green Roof and is now looking at opportunities to enhance use of the Green Roof for social and educational opportunities including compost demonstration and

vegetable gardening. Informational panels on the roof outline the benefits behind green roof technology for those touring the project. Information has also been posted on the City’s website and through the FCM Sustainable Community Awards database, particularly concerning lessons learned and ways that other municipalities across Canada can implement similar projects. Significant considerations were given to safety on the Green Roof reflecting the need to provide public tours, complete maintenance of the plants by City

staff, and maintenance of Wireless and HVAC equipment by contractors. As the design of the roof (> 25’ drop at the exterior perimeter and > 10’ drop into the courtyard) made traditional fall protection technology (rooftop anchors, lanyards, etc.) impractical, staff opted for full perimeter glazed guardrails. These provide the highest level of fall protection under Workers Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC) regulations and maintain the ocean sightlines of overlooking apartments. Bird netting was installed on the glass panes to deter bird strikes while maintaining transparency. A new access stairway replaces a vertical ladder for those wishing to safely ascend and view the upper roof. As the project qualified for Community Works Funding the City was able to complete a capital intensive roof replacement at no cost to local taxpayers while realizing significant operational savings and demonstrating innovation and commitment to environmental sustainability. The primary economic benefit of the Green Roof comes from extending the life of the underlying conventional roof from 25 to 50 years, reducing the capital cost of replacement. Capital savings are estimated at $90,000 over the life of the roof. The green roof also provides increased building insulation resulting in lower heating and ventilation costs (up to 25% savings). Based on a conservative 12.5% reduction, energy savings are estimated at $106,000 over the life of the roof. Total life cycle cost savings associated with the Green Roof are valued at $196,000 in 2009 dollars at 2009 electricity rates. Operational costs associated with the Green Roof are limited to approximately $500 per year as the selected plants are drought resistant and only require minimal weeding and maintenance. These costs will be offset by a reduction in maintenance costs for the underlying roof which will now have increased protection from UV radiation, temperature

Stonecrop species on the upper roof.

GREEN ROOF PROJECT SUMMARY 

Page 5 of 5

variations, and physical damage. A side benefit of the project has been the creation of approximately 400 square feet of usable outdoor meeting space. The Green Roof has inspired City staff and Council to explore other opportunities for retrofitting and introducing green building practices to existing City buildings. The City of Campbell River is the newest partner in the Pembina Institute’s Green Building Leaders Project – examining renewable energy and energy efficiency policies. The City has also recently been selected as one of British Columbia’s Solar Communities, has signed on to the province’s Solar Ready Regulation and is in the process of installing solar hot water systems on three municipal facilities (Sportsplex, RCMP Station and Fire Hall). The City is also actively pursuing other renewable energy options for municipal facilities such as geothermal, tidal power, and wind power. As part of the City’s Carbon Neutral Strategy, the staff steering committee is also exploring options for green building standards for all new City facilities. The Green Roof project demonstrates long-term planning by integrating environmental, social, cultural, and economic priorities into building design and improvement. Such an approach to planning exhibits the principles of Sustainable Campbell River – the long-term planning process currently underway in the City. The City of Campbell River is presently embarking on a comprehensive review of our Official Community Plan to create a Sustainable Official Community Plan. This new plan will integrate long-term community planning with sustainability principles including a Community Energy and Emissions Plan. Community engagement and ownership in this planning process will be fundamental to the success of Sustainable Campbell River. Having tangible demonstration projects such as the City Hall’s Green Roof enables the City to demonstrate the leadership needed to create change in the community and move us a step further on our journey toward sustainability. The Green Roof also illustrates to the community that the City is not only planning for the future, but taking action. With our Green Roof retrofit to City Hall, the City demonstrated leadership in environmental sustainability by implementing an innovative example of sustainable building practices and emerging technology. The Green Roof initiative exemplifies Campbell River's commitment to the BC Climate Action Charter, requiring carbon neutrality by 2012, and implementation of the City of Campbell River's Green City Strategy.

Second floor offices overlooking the roof Courtyard.