Williams Engineering Goes from Gravel to Green

Friday, July 09, 2010

Downtown office workers have been wondering about recent construction activity at the Williams Engineering Building in Telus Plaza. It’s really no secret, as work is now basically complete on an environmentally friendly “Green (or Living) Roof”.

“The existing roof had become moisture contaminated in a few areas and was scheduled for replacement in the spring of 2011,” explained Northern Alberta Regional Director, Gord Rajewski. “So the idea of converting asphalt to rooftop foliage was a good idea that is right for the times.”

A contribution from the Alberta Real Estate Foundation along with NAIT partnership helped bring the project to early fruition. In addition, companies such as Erscon Canada, Bioroof, Tremco Roofing and Tonko, the building’s property manager, provided support, materials or specific expertise.

A common sight in Europe, Green Roof implementation contributes to more efficient cooling in summer and reduced heating costs during winter. Additionally, studies suggest that cumulative utilization in commercial zones can result in overall reductions in Carbon Dioxide and urban temperature. In Alberta, the movement is still in its infancy but Williams, with its high profile Downtown location, is grabbing the reins as a local leader.

“We are strong believers that knowledge is best gained through experience,” added Business Development Manager, Gino Bit. “We decided to educate ourselves by constructing our own green sustainable roof on the Williams Engineering Building.”

A number of sophisticated technologies come into play, for under the plants are systematic layers for waterproofing and roof protection, root penetration prevention, aeration, insulation and drainage – all topped with a special low silt growing medium that won’t clog irrigation or drainage lines.

From a climatic perspective, Edmonton’s Downtown is actually similar to windy and arid Southeastern Alberta, so Williams is working with NAIT to determine the prime combination of flora. Preliminary results from similar projects suggest that Cinquefoil, prairie grasses, Flax, Low Goldenrod, and others have high growth potential, so the roof will also feature a number of test plots with seedlings donated by the Native Plant Producers Society of Alberta.