Grants could give city ‘ecoroof’ plan a boost

The Portland Tribune, Sep 16, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services will offer grants as incentives to install new ecoroofs – those vegetated roof systems that reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality and save energy – around the city.

The ecoroof grant program is part of Portland’s Grey to Green effort to accelerate the city’s work to increase the city’s stormwater management system, protect sensitive natural areas and improve habitat.

Portland’s City Council will vote Wednesday to start the grant program.

“Portland is already a leader in green stormwater technology,” said City Commissioner Sam Adams. “We hope this incentive program will result in many more ecoroof projects and more innovative approaches to replacing traditional roofs.”

The Grey to Green goal is to add 43 acres of new ecoroofs in five years. The city has about nine acres of ecoroofs on more than 90 buildings. The incentive grants will pay up to $5 per square foot for new ecoroof projects, which typically cost between $5 and $20 per square foot.

The city will spend about $300,000 on grants in this year, and will make grant funds available during the next five years. Industrial, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are eligible for the incentive program.

The city begins accepting grant applications on Oct. 28. An Environmental Services committee will review applications quarterly and award grants.

The grant application packet is available online at www.portlandonline.com/bes/ecoroof , or by calling 503-823-7914.

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