There is a graet interview with Alice Waters hosted by Charlie Rose. I do strongly recommend it for everybody, who is interested in good food and local farms topics. A Waters is the owner of the restaurant and author of "The art of simple food". She promotes healthy eating movement, which she calls "slow food" in her entire life. She runs also very succesful restaurant"Chez Panisse". In this interview they talk about different approach to food as a part of our everyday life.
http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/8925
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
We should have more urban rooftop farms in New York City.
I do strongly support the idea about we should have more urban farms in New York City. Rooftop farms are becoming more and more popular in the United States. Marian Burros from the New York Times agrees: “A survey by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, which represents companies that create green roofs, found the number of projects its members had worked on in the United States grew by more than 35 percent last year. In total, the green roofs installed last year cover 6 million to 10 million square feet, the group said”. The idea about green roof movement was known even in Ancient Mesopotamia, which means even ancients knew about the benefits of green roofs. Probably the most famous roof gardens of all time, the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon were one of the Seven Wonders of the World (Osmundsen 112-113).
There are two types of green roof: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs consist of low vegetation planted uniformly over the roof. They are the least expensive type of green roof, and are designed primarily to provide environmental and/or visual benefits. Intensive green roofs are essentially roof gardens intended for human use, which consist of a diversity of plants, including shrubs and trees. These roofs generally require
traditional landscape maintenance, infrastructure such as a water collection system, irrigation and fertilization, and provision for access and egress. Table 1 shows difference between intensive and extensive roof.
Table 1: Comparison of Common Features of Extensive and Intensive Roofs (Reducing Urban Heat Islands)
Extensive vs. Intensive
(Low-Profile/Ecoroofs) (High-Profile/Roof Gardens)
• Low growth media: 2 – 6" • > 6"-15" and deeper
• Lightweight: 13 – 50 lbs/sf • Heavier weights: 50+ lbs/sf
• Low growing plants: 1"– 24" H • Trees, shrubs and more
• Less variety of plants: Alpine types, • Huge variety of plant selection/ succulents,
herbs, some grasses architectural features
depending and mosses on loads, design &
budget
• Usually non-accessible and • Designed for human recreation: non-recreational
gardening, socializing, etc.
• Slopes up to 30° & higher • Relatively flat
• Less expensive: $5-$25/sf • More expensive: $25-$40+/sf
• Low water requirements • Irrigation usually necessary
• Low maintenance • Higher maintenance
The idea about installing gardens on the roofs came to America from Europe, where for years government policies have encouraged or required green roofs (Stedman). The reasons why we should have more urban farms are as follows: gardens provide environmental benefits, political incentive, and health benefits (Table 2).
Table 2: Benefit-Cost Elements for Green Roofs (Reducing Urban Heat Islands)
First of all, I would like to concentrate on the beneficial impact of green roofs on the environment. Rooftop gardens provide insulation to the building as plants reflect the heat and the light. Hence, they act as energy conservers. NYC is one of the cities in the United States, where temperatures have risen over the past decade. As a result, it requires
consumption of much more electricity for air conditioners, which leads to increase in air pollution. Green roofs can reduce the temperature. For example, the temperature in the
Minneapolis Central Library building with a green roof registered 92 degrees F, while in a building in its neighborhood without a green roof registered 170 degrees (Macdonagh). As we can see, rooftop gardens can reduce the temperature dramatically. The green roofs absorb the rainwater, by reducing and controlling runoff water. P. Macdonagh give us an example from the Midwestern U.S“…in Midwestern U.S, 75% of the water is retained on a green roof, stored in a plants, and the soil layer, and 25% becomes runoff.” Plants also reduce air pollution by the process of photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. It means the more plants all over the city, the more fresh air we get. Noise isolation is another important factor in environmental protection. Especially for those who live near airports or highways roof gardens can be very helpful. P. Macdonagh says: “These can mean a reduction in indoor sound levels of as much as 40 decibels…” Roof farms can also act like a small bio-reserve for small insects and animals, which otherwise are restricted to their natural habitats in the cities. The last but not least beneficial aspect of roof gardens is enhancing the beauty of the building and the whole city.
Another equally important thing about rooftop farms is the political aspect. Planning a garden requires the involvement of design and engineering professionals to make a successful system in compliance with municipal codes, which is very expensive. For example a comprehensive structural analysis including details about best spots for
heavy plantings, costs a few thousands dollars (Brooks). Moreover, if you want to make a profit and want your farm to become viable business, you need at least a few thousand
square foot roof or a couple of roofs (Burros). However, after I made research, it is clear that New York State is interested in the promotion of these kinds of projects. New York
City offers property tax reduction programs, such as exemptions and abatements. The bill allows building owners who install green roofs on at least 50% at their available roof space to apply for a one-year property tax credit up to 100,000 dollars. That is roughly 25% of what it costs to install a green roof (Hyman). Additionally, having rooftop farm lowers energy costs, decreases runoff water, and reduces respiratory problems. A typical building with a garden on its roof can save around 20% on air conditioner costs (Ettlinger). (Figure 1-2).
Figure 1-2. Energy Consumption of Model DDC Building (DDC Cool and Green Roofing Manual)
U.S. Department of Energy offers federal tax credits of up to $1,8 per sq/ft for green buildings project (Powering the New Economy). Cincinnati went even further than New York and started to offer grants for green roofs to encourage people to begin roof gardens ("CBSNEWS"). As we can see, there are many financial factors, which strongly support the idea of green roofs.
One more reason for supporting green roofs is our health. Urban rooftop farming provides fresh, good quality vegetables, and fruits directly from every harvest. Additionally, we cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by using fewer delivery trucks. Having gardens forces people to exercise while taking care of the gardens. Also it lets people stay outside with nature, which makes them more physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier. There is a 6 thousand square food rooftop farm in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It is located in my neighborhood, so I decided to visit this place and find out about this unique experiment by personal interview with the owner. I attended workshop “Urban Gardening” led by farmer, and owner of rooftop farm Annie Novak. She told about the idea of green roof and its goal. A. Novak said: “Eagle Street Rooftop Farm as a model for a urban farming movement and the utilization of green roofs in a unique manner, operates a small community supported agriculture (CSA) program, and an onsite farm market…”. Rooftop farm cooperates with “Growing Chefs”, which is an educational program about connection between people and food, from the soil to the kitchen. That is why rooftop farm offers a range of educational and volunteer programs, which give people not only a good example how to use every available space to grow vegetables but also teach people how to maintain it in the most effective way. I spoke with people from my neighborhood about what they think about the farm. They told me they are very pleased to have this kind of initiative in their neighborhood. Many of them go to volunteer there while harvesting time (" Rooftop Farms in Greenpoint, Brooklyn "), (Pic. 1, 2) .However, there is one disadvantage, which can discourage investors to install gardens on the roofs. The owner of a rooftop garden, Annie Novak, told me that insurance companies refuse to insure buildings with green roofs. They affirm that rooftop
gardens threaten buildings’ construction, so they do not want to take financial responsibility for this. Roofs with gardens pass safety inspections by building’s engineers so after that they provide us with instructions how much weight that particular roof can support. Eagle Rooftop Farm can support no more than 25 people. I think insurance companies try to avoid additional expenses, or they are not familiar with this problem.
Based on all the above mentioned points, we can see that rooftop farming provides benefits to wide aspect our everyday life. It creates new opportunity to expand green areas in cities with additional benefits such as fresh locally grown food and energy
savings. Because all of these benefits, I strongly support all pending and future roof projects. I do completely agree with Ken Belson’s statement: “The project, urban farming advocates say, is just the start of something larger” (Table 3).
Table 3:Green Roof Examples in NYC. (DDC Cool and Green Roofing Manual)
recent projects in nyc
Calvary Hospital, Bronx (2002) Intensive
Solaire Residential Building, Manhattan (2003) Intensive (5,000 SF)
Extensive (4,800 SF)
Silvercup Studios, Queens (2003) Extensive (35,000 SF)
Nassau Brewery Ice House Renovation, Brooklyn (2003) Extensive & Intensive
Reingold Gardens Senior Housing, Brooklyn (2004) Extensive (3,000 SF)
Chelsea Residence Supportive Housing, Manhattan (2004) Intensive (5,000 SF)
Calhoun School, Manhattan (2005) Intensive (2,500 SF)
St. George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island (2005) Semi-Intensive (18,000 SF)
Simon Stock School, Bronx (2005) Extensive (3,500 SF)
Tribeca Green, Manhattan (2005) Extensive (11,300 SF)
Bronx County Courthouse, Bronx (2006) Extensive (10,000 SF)
Gratz Industries, Queens (2007) Extensive (8,500 SF)
Queens Botanical Garden, Queens (DDC Project) (2007) Extensive (8,000 SF)
projects in progress in nyc
Kingsbridge Branch Library, Bronx (DDC Project) Extensive (4,500 SF)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center, Brooklyn Extensive (8,000 SF)
Mosholu Golf Course Clubhouse, Bronx Extensive (9,000 SF)
Pic. 1 People are volunteering on Eagle Rooftop Farm.
Pic. 2 Eagle Rooftop Farm.
There are two types of green roof: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs consist of low vegetation planted uniformly over the roof. They are the least expensive type of green roof, and are designed primarily to provide environmental and/or visual benefits. Intensive green roofs are essentially roof gardens intended for human use, which consist of a diversity of plants, including shrubs and trees. These roofs generally require
traditional landscape maintenance, infrastructure such as a water collection system, irrigation and fertilization, and provision for access and egress. Table 1 shows difference between intensive and extensive roof.
Table 1: Comparison of Common Features of Extensive and Intensive Roofs (Reducing Urban Heat Islands)
Extensive vs. Intensive
(Low-Profile/Ecoroofs) (High-Profile/Roof Gardens)
• Low growth media: 2 – 6" • > 6"-15" and deeper
• Lightweight: 13 – 50 lbs/sf • Heavier weights: 50+ lbs/sf
• Low growing plants: 1"– 24" H • Trees, shrubs and more
• Less variety of plants: Alpine types, • Huge variety of plant selection/ succulents,
herbs, some grasses architectural features
depending and mosses on loads, design &
budget
• Usually non-accessible and • Designed for human recreation: non-recreational
gardening, socializing, etc.
• Slopes up to 30° & higher • Relatively flat
• Less expensive: $5-$25/sf • More expensive: $25-$40+/sf
• Low water requirements • Irrigation usually necessary
• Low maintenance • Higher maintenance
The idea about installing gardens on the roofs came to America from Europe, where for years government policies have encouraged or required green roofs (Stedman). The reasons why we should have more urban farms are as follows: gardens provide environmental benefits, political incentive, and health benefits (Table 2).
Table 2: Benefit-Cost Elements for Green Roofs (Reducing Urban Heat Islands)
First of all, I would like to concentrate on the beneficial impact of green roofs on the environment. Rooftop gardens provide insulation to the building as plants reflect the heat and the light. Hence, they act as energy conservers. NYC is one of the cities in the United States, where temperatures have risen over the past decade. As a result, it requires
consumption of much more electricity for air conditioners, which leads to increase in air pollution. Green roofs can reduce the temperature. For example, the temperature in the
Minneapolis Central Library building with a green roof registered 92 degrees F, while in a building in its neighborhood without a green roof registered 170 degrees (Macdonagh). As we can see, rooftop gardens can reduce the temperature dramatically. The green roofs absorb the rainwater, by reducing and controlling runoff water. P. Macdonagh give us an example from the Midwestern U.S“…in Midwestern U.S, 75% of the water is retained on a green roof, stored in a plants, and the soil layer, and 25% becomes runoff.” Plants also reduce air pollution by the process of photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. It means the more plants all over the city, the more fresh air we get. Noise isolation is another important factor in environmental protection. Especially for those who live near airports or highways roof gardens can be very helpful. P. Macdonagh says: “These can mean a reduction in indoor sound levels of as much as 40 decibels…” Roof farms can also act like a small bio-reserve for small insects and animals, which otherwise are restricted to their natural habitats in the cities. The last but not least beneficial aspect of roof gardens is enhancing the beauty of the building and the whole city.
Another equally important thing about rooftop farms is the political aspect. Planning a garden requires the involvement of design and engineering professionals to make a successful system in compliance with municipal codes, which is very expensive. For example a comprehensive structural analysis including details about best spots for
heavy plantings, costs a few thousands dollars (Brooks). Moreover, if you want to make a profit and want your farm to become viable business, you need at least a few thousand
square foot roof or a couple of roofs (Burros). However, after I made research, it is clear that New York State is interested in the promotion of these kinds of projects. New York
City offers property tax reduction programs, such as exemptions and abatements. The bill allows building owners who install green roofs on at least 50% at their available roof space to apply for a one-year property tax credit up to 100,000 dollars. That is roughly 25% of what it costs to install a green roof (Hyman). Additionally, having rooftop farm lowers energy costs, decreases runoff water, and reduces respiratory problems. A typical building with a garden on its roof can save around 20% on air conditioner costs (Ettlinger). (Figure 1-2).
Figure 1-2. Energy Consumption of Model DDC Building (DDC Cool and Green Roofing Manual)
U.S. Department of Energy offers federal tax credits of up to $1,8 per sq/ft for green buildings project (Powering the New Economy). Cincinnati went even further than New York and started to offer grants for green roofs to encourage people to begin roof gardens ("CBSNEWS"). As we can see, there are many financial factors, which strongly support the idea of green roofs.
One more reason for supporting green roofs is our health. Urban rooftop farming provides fresh, good quality vegetables, and fruits directly from every harvest. Additionally, we cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by using fewer delivery trucks. Having gardens forces people to exercise while taking care of the gardens. Also it lets people stay outside with nature, which makes them more physically, mentally, and emotionally healthier. There is a 6 thousand square food rooftop farm in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. It is located in my neighborhood, so I decided to visit this place and find out about this unique experiment by personal interview with the owner. I attended workshop “Urban Gardening” led by farmer, and owner of rooftop farm Annie Novak. She told about the idea of green roof and its goal. A. Novak said: “Eagle Street Rooftop Farm as a model for a urban farming movement and the utilization of green roofs in a unique manner, operates a small community supported agriculture (CSA) program, and an onsite farm market…”. Rooftop farm cooperates with “Growing Chefs”, which is an educational program about connection between people and food, from the soil to the kitchen. That is why rooftop farm offers a range of educational and volunteer programs, which give people not only a good example how to use every available space to grow vegetables but also teach people how to maintain it in the most effective way. I spoke with people from my neighborhood about what they think about the farm. They told me they are very pleased to have this kind of initiative in their neighborhood. Many of them go to volunteer there while harvesting time (" Rooftop Farms in Greenpoint, Brooklyn "), (Pic. 1, 2) .However, there is one disadvantage, which can discourage investors to install gardens on the roofs. The owner of a rooftop garden, Annie Novak, told me that insurance companies refuse to insure buildings with green roofs. They affirm that rooftop
gardens threaten buildings’ construction, so they do not want to take financial responsibility for this. Roofs with gardens pass safety inspections by building’s engineers so after that they provide us with instructions how much weight that particular roof can support. Eagle Rooftop Farm can support no more than 25 people. I think insurance companies try to avoid additional expenses, or they are not familiar with this problem.
Based on all the above mentioned points, we can see that rooftop farming provides benefits to wide aspect our everyday life. It creates new opportunity to expand green areas in cities with additional benefits such as fresh locally grown food and energy
savings. Because all of these benefits, I strongly support all pending and future roof projects. I do completely agree with Ken Belson’s statement: “The project, urban farming advocates say, is just the start of something larger” (Table 3).
Table 3:Green Roof Examples in NYC. (DDC Cool and Green Roofing Manual)
recent projects in nyc
Calvary Hospital, Bronx (2002) Intensive
Solaire Residential Building, Manhattan (2003) Intensive (5,000 SF)
Extensive (4,800 SF)
Silvercup Studios, Queens (2003) Extensive (35,000 SF)
Nassau Brewery Ice House Renovation, Brooklyn (2003) Extensive & Intensive
Reingold Gardens Senior Housing, Brooklyn (2004) Extensive (3,000 SF)
Chelsea Residence Supportive Housing, Manhattan (2004) Intensive (5,000 SF)
Calhoun School, Manhattan (2005) Intensive (2,500 SF)
St. George Ferry Terminal, Staten Island (2005) Semi-Intensive (18,000 SF)
Simon Stock School, Bronx (2005) Extensive (3,500 SF)
Tribeca Green, Manhattan (2005) Extensive (11,300 SF)
Bronx County Courthouse, Bronx (2006) Extensive (10,000 SF)
Gratz Industries, Queens (2007) Extensive (8,500 SF)
Queens Botanical Garden, Queens (DDC Project) (2007) Extensive (8,000 SF)
projects in progress in nyc
Kingsbridge Branch Library, Bronx (DDC Project) Extensive (4,500 SF)
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center, Brooklyn Extensive (8,000 SF)
Mosholu Golf Course Clubhouse, Bronx Extensive (9,000 SF)
Pic. 1 People are volunteering on Eagle Rooftop Farm.
Pic. 2 Eagle Rooftop Farm.
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