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Posts Tagged ‘farming’
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A Farm in the Sky?
Sound too futuristic to be true? It’s not, thanks to vegetated roofing technology!
Brooklyn, New York, welcomed 21st-century urban farming with the 2009 opening of Eagle Street Rooftop Farms, a 6,000 square-foot organic vegetable farm located on a warehouse rooftop—yes, rooftop!— located in Brooklyn’s Greenpoint neighborhood.
With sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline, the green roof was created by lifting 200,000 pounds of growing medium (a mix of compost, rock particulates and shale) over the course of two days. A two-inch roof base system made of polyethelene, a special drainage mat and retention and separation fabrics holds the growing medium (and all the produce!).
In its very first season, Eagle Street Rooftop Farms produced over 30 kinds of organic produce, which is sold at a local farmer’s market and delivered to nearby restaurants. The green roof farm also harvests fresh honey from two beehives that were installed amongst the greenery.
Beyond providing fresh, local herbs, vegetables and honey, the roof absorbs over 1.5 inches of rainfall, saving area waterways from significant stormwater runoff. It also helps lessen the large building’s carbon footprint, as well as its utility bills, by keeping the warehouse cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Eagle Street Rooftop Farms even provides farming volunteer opportunities for community members, from seeding to harvest.
We think it’s so cool that vegetated roofs are able to go above and beyond simply being green to actually providing for the community. Just think: If your organization wins a green roof, you might be able to involve your community as well!
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