"We already know that vegetated roofs can have measurable economic, ecological, and social benefits for property owners and communities, as Majora Carter and Sustainable South Bronx have demonstrated. This first-of-its-kind legislation will spur others to emulate that leadership."
-- Bill McDonough

     FAIA,  Co-Author Cradle to Cradle, Founding Partner, Principal: William McDonough + Partners

 EMPLOYED:     B.E.S.T. graduate James Wells takes notes on a green roof he installed

                              -- see related story in USA Today

Who Did What:

An unprecedented team effort among elected officials, environmental groups, and developers.

The bill was sponsored in the NY State Assembly by our own Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr  after a terrific collaborative effort by the powerful S.W.I.M. coalition.  Property owners will now get roughly 25% of the cost of a green roof taken off of their property tax bill.   Caroline Harris of Troutman Sanders, LLP  provided pro bono analysis of the bill, strategy advice and continuing recommendations regarding advocacy during the rules making process (after the bill passes).

The Value of Environmental Services:

The tax abatements make economic sense because horticultural infrastructure saves money.

Green, vegetated roofs keep storm water out of our sewer system - saving energy & operational costs while keeping toxics out of our rivers.  Lower Summer Electricity Load: They also cool the city, whereas traditional tar roofs heat the city.  Public Health: The plants clean the air too, and because the green part protects the waterproof layer from the elements, green roofs dramatically extend the life span of a roof.

At SSBx, Jobs AND Environment Grow Together:

“This tax abatement is an economic stimulus that will create more living wage green-collar jobs

that really are pathways out of poverty,” said Rob Crauderueff, Policy Director at SSBx and Policy Committee Chair of Storm Water Infrastructure Matters (S.W.I.M.) .   He goes on to say that "....the legislation that passed in Albany today is the culmination of an incredibly collaborative effort between groups as disparate as the large Durst Organization, the very local Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, to national environmental groups like the NRDC, and many other active members.

What You Can Do:

Everyone can join S.W.I.M. to stay up to date on how to take future actions.  If you are a property owner and want a green roof estimate for your building from a local company that guarantees quality design, installation, and maintenance - while employing hard working New Yorkers from some of the City's most neglected neighborhoods, contact Renaldo Da Silva of SSBx Smart Roofs, LLC, or click on the image in the right column on this page. 

If you do not own property, encourage your landlord to build this kind of space with tenant access in your building.  Or, organize a group of parents at your children's school to get a green roof.  Businesses - especially low-rise retail spaces - can see dramatic reductions in their summer time air conditioning costs by installing green roofs too!   Contribute to SSBx: these successes are the result of incredible investments in early green roofs for R&D, professional development for our staff, and the office to support our activities.