GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITS
HANGING GARDENS
Young children visiting the Madison Children’s Museum rooftop garden engage in play within nature, something that is not always easy to do in dense urban environments. This rooftop offers an open space for children to explore their natural surroundings within the cityscape of downtown Madison, as well as a chance to bring the community together in education.
Madison Children’s Museum •
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
HANGING GARDENS
Photo Credit: Urban Harvest STL
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITS Ancient civilizations began to develop Green Infrastructure practices in response to managing stormwater centuries ago and the first record of a Green Roof in history is purported to be the fabled Hanging Gardens of Babylon. In the US, Green Infrastructure techniques, including rooftop green spaces, began to be incorporated in urban planning in the 1970’s and today they are a standard component in planning and development for communities of all types and sizes. Today, Green Infrastructure practices are especially relevant for growing population centers with the accompanying increase in impervious infrastructure like streets, parking lots and buildings, or where climate change is resulting in standing water or flooding of populated areas after storm events. In older cities or rapidly growing areas where storm events can overburden sewer systems, Green Infrastructure techniques can be economically employed to reduce flows to sewage treatment plants after a rainstorm. In some cases, creatively applied Green Infrastructure practices can stave off or altogether avoid the cost to upgrade or replace an entire sewerage treatment facility. During the last decade, growth in modern green infrastructure techniques has been explosive. In particular, growing research and development have demonstrated that Green Roofs and Blue Roofs have beneficial environmental and economic benefits, including: Chicago City Hall
• Stormwater Management • Increased membrane longevity • Increased R-Value • Reduced urban heat island effect • Improved air quality • Reduced greenhouse gas emissions • Creation of valuable amenity space • Reduced stormwater runoff • Reduced heating/cooling costs • Educational opportunities • Improved health and wellbeing • Increased biodiversity • Fire retardation • Noise reduction
This well-known Green Roof shows drastic temperature difference between green and non-greened areas.
www.hanging-gardens.com
COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
HEALTHCARE
SEDUM MAT
The growing focus on a holistic approach to health and patient wellness is revolutionizing today’s approach to healthcare. As this paradigm shift continues, Green Infrastructure solutions can help providers create facilities that increase patient satisfaction by offering improved patient-provider experiences through more cost efficient, environmentally friendly and patient centered designs.
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SEDUM MAT [HG 6300] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3611] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
RECYCLED IRRIGATION GARDEN
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4210] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] CAPILLARY FLEECE [HG 3330] STORMWATER HARVESTING CELLS [HG 7200] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
PLAZA DECK GARDEN
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PLANTINGS [HG 6800]
GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4310] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE AGGREGATE [HG 4620] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3640] VERTICAL DRAINAGE [HG 3520] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3340] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3230] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
JUTE NETTING [HG 3490] PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Large healthcare property sites mean large amounts of stormwater to manage. Green Infrastructure can help mitigate 50-100% of typical rainfall, reducing stormwater bills. Financial incentives, such as state and federal grants, for using best management practices like Green Roofs and Blue Roofs are also commonly available, especially for sites with a large footprint.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The healthcare industry continues to strive to maximize energy cost savings, and Green and Blue Roofs offer an extra layer of added insulation that can help cut heating and cooling costs. Green Roofs also improve the function of HVAC and solar photovoltaic equipment by their natural ability to help maintain much cooler temperatures on the rooftop during hot weather.
INCREASED HEALTH & WELLNESS
Health and wellness is top priority in a healthcare setting, and Green Roofs offer incredible outdoor spaces to support a tried and true fact: spending time alongside nature helps significantly improve health. It can aid in the recovery process by helping to reduce stress, promote memory retention, and even has shown to reduce inflammation in the body. www.hanging-gardens.com
COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: BDMD Architects
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
NONPROFITS Nonprofits, both large and small alike, can make a positive environmental statement to the community by using and promoting Green Infrastructure best practices. Additionally, Green Infrastructure features offer an invaluable opportunity for community education efforts and public involvement, that can raise awareness of environmental issues and an organization’s mission.
SEDUM CUTTINGS
JUTE NETTING [HG 3490]
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SEDUM CUTTINGS [HG 6100] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3611] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
URBAN AGRICULTURE
Food Roofs are a variation of Green Roofs that are at the forefront of the Urban Agriculture movement. In urban centers, rooftops of all sizes are being utilized for growing fresh crops, promoting health and wellbeing and creating an opportunity for togetherness within a community.
FOOD ROOF
AGRICULTURAL PLANTINGS
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4410] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 36**] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LOCAL JOB CREATION
Nonprofits seeking to give back to their community will be delighted with the opportunities for local job creation and/or local volunteer opportunities a Green Roof offers. Planning for the seasonal crops on a Food Roof, planting, harvesting and maintenance are all perfect opportunities to provide jobs and skill training for members of the communities which they serve.
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
NATIVE PRAIRIE
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Green Roofs and Blue Roofs can promote positive change in a community, highlighting local efforts to mitigate stormwater and creating support for these important efforts. Utilizing Green Infrastructure techniques allows Nonprofits to reach out to the community and teach about the benefits and the technology, and to get community members involved.
PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200]
GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4210]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
www.hanging-gardens.com
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COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: La Haye Photography
Photo Credit: Hanging Gardens
MULTI FAMILY / RESIDENTIAL PERENNIAL GARDEN
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As the lure of city living continues to attract more and more people, incorporating Green Infrastructure into new designs or redeveloped properties provides an inviting and desirable feature for prospective residents. Whether a high profile new development or a refreshing new design to an existing building, Green Infrastructure provides a unique opportunity for residential developments to be on the forefront of sustainable living options in their community.
JUTE NETTING [HG 3490] PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200]
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4210] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
$ SEDUM TILE [HG 6400] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3651] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
FORMAL ROOF GARDEN
PLANTINGS [HG 6800]
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4310] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE AGGREGATE [HG 4620] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3640] VERTICAL DRAINAGE [HG 3520] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3340] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3230] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
HYBRID BLUE / GREEN
VALUABLE AMENITY SPACE
Often times urban areas are highly developed and lack natural elements that most home dwellers desire. Green Roofs offer an attractive amenity feature for residents that can provide an aesthetically pleasing view of the cityscape, a respite from the hustle and bustle of city life and a chance to relax in a private setting.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Developers looking to cut sewer bills can incorporate Green Roofs or Blue Roofs into their developments. Incorporation of this technology can have an attractive ROI and many local municipalities provide attractive incentives to further help defray installation costs. Blue roofs, which can temporarily hold large amounts of stormwater, can offer an economic incentive for developers that have a desire or are looking to meet a requirement to include stormwater mitigation in their design.
MARKETING
Nothing proves more enticing to prospective residents than a space that they can call their own on a warm evening outdoors in the city. A luxurious and inviting rooftop amenity deck is a prime feature to promote for developers looking to entice residents to their building. Alluring designs can range from basic sedum all the way to a luxurious plaza deck garden on the roof with high-end stone or wood features. www.hanging-gardens.com
COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: La Haye Photography
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
EDUCATION / GOVERNMENT
BLUE ROOF
Public institutions have long played a role in the forefront of environmental stewardship. With the growing awareness of the the environment as a resource to be preserved, communities will increasingly look to these resources for leadership in developing standards for conservation techniques as well as establishing foundations for the future community planning.
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2.5” STORMWATER RETENTION
WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
NATIVE PRAIRIE
One of the best ways to teach students and community members about environmental conservation techniques and technology is to show them. Blue Roofs, Green Roofs, and even on-grade stormwater infiltration technology can showcase a community’s dedication to sustainability and to educating its future citizens on these techniques.
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200]
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4210]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
High-tech stormwater site management techniques have developed to the point that they can be easily and cost effectively implemented into building designs and renovations. Technology, like automated rooftop rainwater containment systems, allow building owners to implement a Blue Roof with minimal upfront cost. Additionally, state of the art communication capabilities can provide real time data of the amount of water stored for monitoring purposes, facilitating city efforts to control flooding during storms.
INCREASED BIODIVERSITY
INFORMAL ROOF GARDEN
PLANTINGS [HG 6800]
Urban areas have long been associated with a reduction in biodiversity, and Green Infrastructure techniques, especially Green Roofs, have proven to be instrumental in reversing this trend in urban areas. Restoration or re-creation of natural habitats on city rooftops has been shown to aide in the re-introduction of native species, providing a haven for many species previously driven out of our urban environments.
GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4310]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE AGGREGATE [HG 4620] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3640] VERTICAL DRAINAGE [HG 3520] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3340] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3230] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
www.hanging-gardens.com
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COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
Photo Credit: Kyle Ramey
RESTAURANTS
FOOD ROOF
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No matter the proximity to the nearest city, Green Infrastructure can be an aesthetically pleasing asset to add to a dining establishment. Luxurious wood or stone hardscaping and site features can be combined with permeable pavement on-grade, or a rooftop deck, to add inviting landscaping that facilitates stormwater collection and opens up a new realm of possibilities for enjoyable outdoor dining.
AGRICULTURAL PLANTINGS
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4410] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 36**] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
HOPS ROOF
$ GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4410]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3720] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3980] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
FORMAL ROOF GARDEN
PLANTINGS [HG 6800]
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GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4310] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE AGGREGATE [HG 4620] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3640] VERTICAL DRAINAGE [HG 3520] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3340] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3230] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
HOPS VINE
Photo Credit: Tricia Shay Photography
NOISE REDUCTION
When guests on the patio or rooftop are looking for a luxurious retreat to meet with friends and family or to escape for a private getaway, Green Infrastructure can provide an inviting space to make for a memorable dining experience. Green Roofs soften unwanted sounds from the city and bio-swales block undesirable street views resulting in private and intimate spaces that encourage relaxation and enjoyment.
URBAN AGRICULTURE
Utilizing rooftop space for food production is a highly marketable opportunity for a restaurant looking for a farm-to-table concept. Rooftop space can provide a unique and inviting space to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs, conduct cooking classes, and bring harvest-fresh food from roof-to-kitchen.
INCREASED MEMBRANE LONGEVITY
Owners looking to increase the life of their roof infrastructure can install a Green Roof to decrease exposure to UV radiation and extreme temperatures. Even a basic extensive Green Roof system can prolong the life of the roof membrane, generate energy cost savings and manage stormwater issues around a property in a cost-effective design that enhances the bottom line. www.hanging-gardens.com
COMMERCIAL
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
Photo Credit: The Kubala Washatko Architects
HOSPITALITY The most innovative and unique hoteliers and entertainment establishments provide a memorable guest experience that offers the opportunity to see a city in a whole new way. A Green Roof designed as a rooftop terrace space offers a unique way to experience nightlife. Designed with lavish wood decking, fun patio games, lush greenery and trees that can provide shade, a rooftop terrace can transform a guest experience from ordinary to exceptional.
PERENNIAL PLUGS
JUTE NETTING [HG 3490]
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PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3611] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
With more incentives than ever to implement sustainable and resilient water technologies, utilizing Green Infrastructure best practices to harness stormwater can drastically cut an establishment’s water bill, reducing operating costs and leaving room in the budget for other valuable hotel and entertainment amenities.
SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
SEDUM TILE
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SEDUM TILE [HG 6400]
GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3611] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210]
MARKETING
MEMBRANE [HG 31**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
Sidewalk-to-sidewalk development can leave little space for developers to incorporate any guest amenity space. Green Roofs can allow the incorporation of softer elements such as trees, shrubs, and flowers, along with luxurious stone or wood hardscaping and site furnishings to create an inviting and relaxing amenity space. Guests will truly enjoy unwinding from a day of traveling or exploring the surrounding sights on the rooftop.
STORMWATER CATCHMENT
INCREASED RETURN ON INVESTMENT
With a rooftop deck to attract guests looking to enjoy city sights from a bird's eye view, any hospitality establishment can improve its bottom line, by enhancing revenue through improving the marketability of the property and decreasing operating costs through reduced stormwater management fees.
PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110]
WATERGRIP BROWNIE [HG 4130] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710]
DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 13**]
LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
www.hanging-gardens.com
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RESIDENTIAL
Photo Credit: ProUltra Image
Photo Credit: Johnsen Schmaling Architects
Photo Credit: AD Greenroof
PRIVATE HOMEOWNERS CUTTINGS / PLUGS HYBRID
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Innovations in Green Infrastructure are continuing to bring technology and techniques within reach of the homeowner, so that many homeowners are creating amazing amenity spaces that satisfy their desire for outdoor spaces with both stylish design and high function, allowing every homeowner a chance to create a truly unique place to call home.
JUTE NETTING [HG 3490] PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200] SEDUM CUTTINGS [HG 6100] GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4110] FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3611] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
$ FULLY VEGETATED SEDUM TRAY [HG 6510] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3310] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3210] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
NATIVE PRAIRIE
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SUGGESTED SYSTEMS
SEDUM TRAYS
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Green Roofs can retain anywhere from 70-90% of rainfall in the growing season and anywhere from 25-40% of water they receive during cooler months, allowing homeowners to better manage stormwater issues surrounding their home or property. Homeowners looking to green up their property for aesthetic or practical reasons can achieve dramatic results by incorporating even a small scale Green Roof.
AESTHETIC / AMENITY
A beautiful backyard is a perfect combination of nature and luxurious amenities like a firepit, comfortable seating and the right amount of privacy. Take your backyard oasis up to the roof and indulge in the ultimate private setting and a gorgeous view of your neighborhood like you have never seen it before.
ENERGY REDUCTION PERENNIAL PLUGS [HG 6200]
GROWTH MEDIA [HG 4210]
FILTER FLEECE [HG 3710] DRAINAGE / RETENTION BOARD [HG 3630] METAL EDGE RESTRAINT [HG 3927] PROTECTION FLEECE [HG 3320] ROOT BARRIER [HG 3220] MEMBRANE [HG 31**] LEAK DETECTION GRID [HG 1300]
The higher roof-to-wall ratio that homes have over larger buildings makes homes prime candidates for Green Roofs. Homeowners can realize incredible benefit from the energy savings that Green Roofs offer, as the roof is where the greatest heat loss takes place in winter and is the hottest part of the home in summer. www.hanging-gardens.com
The perfect blend of blue and green technology, the Brix Apartments gloat an innovative approach to creating urban space for residents, and serves as an excellent backdrop for the neighboring guests at the Iron Horse Hotel. A sunken planter located in the center of the sod is home to native wetland species whose roots grow down into the blue roof for access to water at all times.
Brix Apartments •
Photo Credit: Hanging Gardens
PLAZA DECK GARDEN
Hanging Gardens, LLC focuses on design integration, project delivery, and products for green infrastructure development. Capabilities range from green roofs and blue roofs to on-grade harvesting and infiltration, providing complete roof to sewer stormwater mitigation solutions. With on-staff designers and a network of landscape architects, contractors, architects, engineers, and developers, Hanging Gardens is the common thread from idea conception to completion. The company provides products from top vendors around the world, tailoring products to client’s unique design. Product lines offered include porous pavers and hardscaping, vegetation, waterproofing and insulation, and stormwater harvesting, with Hanging Gardens bringing them together for a total system warranty.
VEGETATIVE ROOF SYSTEMS
HANGING GARDENS
NATIVE PRAIRIE
Hanging Gardens has completed projects in cities across North America and has offices and warehouses throughout the United States. Visit our website for access to our technical guide, listing all products, systems, and services.
SEDUM TILE
www.hanging-gardens.com Design Integration technical@hanging-gardens.com
ON-GRADE SYSTEMS
Product / Sale Inquiries sales@hanging-gardens.com
STORMWATER
HANGING GARDENS, LLC 877.266.0015
*Cover Photo Credit: Urban Harvest STL
BLUE ROOF
STORMWATER INFILTRATION
45°