Fresh Fuzz

The Carrot Common Rooftop Garden Summer Play

by Paul July 18th, 2011 - No Comments »

For the next 2 weeks beginning this Thursday the Carrot Common will be holding nightly showings of Shakespeare’s classic play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The shows will take place over the next 2 weeks from Thursday to Sunday from 6pm – 11pm on the new green roof on top of the Big Carrot. The curtain will be raised at 8pm and the show will begin.

Organic produce, chocolate and vegan dishes will be served throughout the evening. The proceeds from this event are going to The Feed Your City Organization. Feed Your City is a not for profit organization that is committed to the rooftop growing of food year round.

Follow this link to purchase tickets, check show times and have a great night out.

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Eglinton West Subway Station’s Green Roof

by Paul April 7th, 2011 - No Comments »

Close to a year and a half ago the TTC covered the roof of the Eglinton West Subway station with a rooftop garden.  Besides giving the dated building much more visual appeal it offers many green efficient benefits.

The plants used are called sedums, which are a mix of flowering, drought-resistant plants.  The new roof reduces stormwater runoff, improves air quality and has better protection from weathering which in turn provides a longer roof life compared to the conventional roof.

Victoria Park and Dufferin subway stations are currently under renovation to build green roofs, and add solar panels.

According to Jonathan Wilder, the TTC’s roofing consultant, green roofs do cost more money but can also double the life expectancy.

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Mountain Equipment Co-op Toronto

by Paul April 4th, 2011 - No Comments »

Mountain Equipment Co-op has always played a big part in the environment and they have made some huge advance in the greening of their operations.

MEC is also lowering their carbon emissions by using lower emitting modes of transportation that include rail and sea.  Most of their emphasis is going towards the daily operations of their various locations.  Their buildings are receiving green makeovers past and present including green roofs, solar panels, and reusable materials.

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Gardens In The Sky

by Paul March 24th, 2011 - No Comments »

Canada’s leading roofing contractor – Flynn Environmental Solutions founded Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.  They really do believe in going green from the roof all the way down.

Green roof systems act as an extension of the roof, using specially designed root repelling membranes,  lightweight growing mediums, drainage systems, detections systems for irrigation and leaks,  and plant material that will work in the region.

There are many benefits to a green roof that are both economical and environmental.  Some of these benefits are much better energy efficiency, longer building roof membrane life,air purification, noise pollution reduction and many more.

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Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program

by Paul February 18th, 2011 - 1 Comment »

Toronto’s Eco-Roof Incentive Program came about for the use of cool and green roofs on Toronto’s  industrial, institutional  and commercial buildings, and to help Toronto’s business community take a larger part in actions on climate change.

There are many environmental benefits of eco-roofs. Cool and green roofs reduce urban heat and energy use, which is a concern as global temperatures rise, not that the humid summers in Toronto are not hot enough already. Green roofs will help manage stormwater runoff, increase biodiversity, beautify our city and improve air quality.

The two types of an “eco-roof” are either a “green roof” that will support vegetation, or a “cool roof” that will reflect the sun’s thermal energy.

Toronto has a new green roof by-law that sets new construction standards requiring green roofs on all new buildings.  Multi unit residences over six stories, schools, non-profit housing, commercial and industrial buildings must have 50% green roof.

The city has stepped in and set a new sustainability future that looks very green indeed.

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