This certificate imparts knowledge and skill in the planning, design, installation, and maintenance of green roofs. Green roofs, also known as vegetated roofs, are landscapes over structure, requiring expertise that combines several fields of study: landscape architecture, architecture, horticulture, and landscape design and maintenance. The roof is the final frontier of urban spatial design, and the vegetated urban roof supports environmental, economic, and social components of sustainable urban design. This certificate addresses contemporary issues in living architecture, particularly in this emerging area of expertise.
Upon completion of this certificate, students will be able to
- Exhibit basic proficiency in the advocacy, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of vegetated roofs.
- Apply critical thinking skills to the analysis of existing and proposed vegetated roof systems.
- Describe the benefits and public health, safety, and welfare issues associated with vegetated roofs.
- Describe applicable policies, codes, regulations, and incentive programs related to vegetated roof implementation.
- Describe the role of vegetated roofs in sustainable site and building design.
- Prepare basic feasibility and precedent studies that support the implementation of appropriate vegetated roof systems.
The certificate in green roofs is one of the first in North America, and its faculty are practicing experts in their fields of horticulture and landscape architecture. Students who pursue this certificate may also be interested in becoming Accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRP) with the organization Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.