We will be hosting the 20th Anniversary CitiesAlive Conference, a landmark event that brings together thought leaders, innovators, and professionals passionate about green infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Additionally, we are proud to announce the organization of two regional Grey to Green Conferences, in Chicago and Portland (Cascadia), tailored to address the specific needs and challenges of different geographical areas, and to celebrate their success as pioneering cities in green roof implementation.

Embracing the digital era, we are extending our reach through several virtual symposia, providing a platform for global participation and knowledge exchange for more niche green infrastructure topics.

Together, these events form a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering dialogue, sharing best design and maintenance practices, and advancing the collective mission towards greener, healthier cities.

Upcoming Events

Urban Agriculture & Rooftop Farming
May 14 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM EST
Cost: $39 USD
Continuing Education: Approved for 3 GRP CEUs, Submitted to AIA and ASLA

Join us for the Urban Agriculture Symposium where we explore the vital intersection of urban living and sustainable agriculture. Discover how utilizing green roof spaces for food production can revolutionize urban landscapes, providing not only fresh, locally-grown produce but also enhancing community resilience. Learn from experts about the innovative techniques and benefits of urban farming on rooftops, and how it can contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected future for our cities. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the possibilities of urban agriculture and its potential to transform our communities for the better.

Speakers:

  • Nicole Austin, Black Food Sovereignty Engagement Coordinator, Toronto Metropolitan University

  • Sarah Hastings, Rooftop Farm Manager, Boston Medical Center

  • Armando Villa-Ignacio, Graduate Student, Colorado State University

  • Leigh Whittinghill, Assistant Agricultural Scientist, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

Grey to Green Chicago:
Exploring Green Infrastructure & Economic and Environmental Justice

Friday June 7, 2024

Omni Ecosystems HQ Green Roof & Conference Venue
Photo Credit: Scott Shigley

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, with Co-Host Blacks in Green, will be bringing you Grey To Green Chicago: Exploring Green Infrastructure & Economic and Environmental Justice on June 7, 2024.

At the 2024 Grey to Green Chicago Conference, we will explore and learn about:

  • Bridging the health/wealth gap

  • Accessing federal funding for green infrastructure projects

  • Advancing environmental and economic justice through green infrastructure, using the Sustainable Square Mile concept

  • Chicago’s climate action plan and how designers and green practitioners can achieve the proposed co-benefit

  • Designing green roofs and walls for maximum performance with the Living Architecture Performance Tool

  • and more!

Chicago GRIMP Training Date: Thursday June 6, 2024 (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Grey to Green Chicago Conference Date: Friday June 7, 2024 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Venue & Address: Omni Ecosystems HQ - 4131 S State St, Chicago, IL

Early Bird Conference Prices (Ends May 31st):

  • GRHC Members: $99 USD

  • Nonmembers: $149 USD

GRIMP Training Prices:

  • GRHC Members: $395 USD

  • Nonmembers: $495 USD

Continuing Education: Approved for 7 GRP CEUs, Submitted to AIA and ASLA

To access the detailed agenda, and for additional information about Grey to Green Chicago, please click the button below!

Thank you to our sponsors + co-host!

Grey to Green Cascadia

Friday July 26

Cascadia GRIMP Training Date: Thursday July 25, 2024 (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

Grey to Green Cascadia Conference Date: Friday July 26, 2024 (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)

Venue & Address: Portland State University, Hoffman Hall - 1833 SW 11th Ave, Portland, OR

Conference Prices (Ends May 31st):

  • GRHC Members: $149 USD

  • Nonmembers: $199 USD

GRIMP Training Prices:

  • GRHC Members: $395 USD

  • Nonmembers: $495 USD

Continuing Education: Approved for 7 GRP CEUs, Submitted to AIA and ASLA

In the Cascadia Bioregion, green roofs play a crucial role in sustainable urban development. They manage stormwater, reducing runoff and mitigating flooding risks. By combating the urban heat island effect, they provide natural cooling, improving urban comfort and reducing energy consumption. Green roofs support biodiversity, create habitats for wildlife, and enhance air quality by capturing pollutants. They also improve building energy efficiency, offering insulation and reducing heating and cooling needs.

Join us at the Grey to Green Cascadia Conference to explore and learn about:

  • Best Practices for Design and Maintenance of Green Roofs and Walls

  • The history and future of the Portland Green Roof Requirement

  • Emerging Green Roof and Wall Research from students at Portland State University

  • Advancing Economic and Environmental Justice with Green Infrastructure

  • Solar and Green Roof Integration

  • and more!

Click the link below to be taken to the Grey to Green Cascadia Website.

GRHC is celebrating 20 years of its flagship CitiesAlive Conference in Toronto, November 6-9, 2024. This is the event that launched the industry in Chicago over 20 years ago, pulling together manufacturers, designers, researchers, installers and policy makers to develop the industry.

GRHC’s mission is to increase awareness of the economic, social and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture. These goals are achieved through a combination of education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence. GRHC’s many events have been instrumental in connecting manufacturers and suppliers with design professionals and disseminating knowledge of best practices and trends through various programs and projects.

We invite you to join us in Toronto as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our CitiesAlive Conference!

CitiesAlive Agenda at a Glance

November 6

  • GRIMP & GRP Training Sessions

  • Biophilic Design / Biodiversity Workshops

  • Opening Keynote Address

  • Trade Show Set Up

November 7 - 8

  • Morning Keynote Address (Nov. 7)

  • Trade Show & Lunch on Trade Show Floor (Nov. 7-8)

  • Expert Presentations & Panels (Nov. 7-8)

  • Cocktail Reception on Trade Show Floor (Nov. 7)

  • Awards of Excellence Ceremony (Nov. 7)

  • Closing Keynote (Nov. 8)

  • Trade Show Tear Down (Nov. 8)

  • Industry Pioneers Gala (Nov. 8)

November 9

  • Tours, Workshops & Green Infrastructure Charrette

Virtual Symposia

Our Virtual Symposia series are 3 hour online events which explore specific topics or locations and engage subject matter experts in presentations, question and answer sessions, and panel discussions on how to address their area of planning, design, and implementation. All registrants get free access to the event recordings!

All symposia will take place from 1:00 - 4:00 PM EST on their respective dates. Registration for our Virtual Symposia is $39 USD.

Here is the 2024 Virtual Symposia Schedule:

Note: dates are subject to change

Click the button below to be taken to the Virtual Symposia Page.

Partner Events

Save the date! World Green Infrastructure Network will be hosting their World Green Infrastructure Congress 2024 in Auckland, NZ from August 28-30th, 2024. Click here to learn more.

Click the button below to see the 2024 GRHC Events Plan & Marketing Brochure for more detailed information!

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