More than 300 GRPs Now in the Marketplace

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities announces the latest recipients of the Green Roof Professional (GRP) designation!

Toronto, Canada – May 17, 2010 – Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) – the North American industry association promoting green roofs and walls products and services – has been committed to the development of a Professional Accreditation Program since the launch of the first successful conference in Chicago in 2003. With the completion of the latest exam, GRHC is pleased to announce that there are now 328 accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRPs) conducting business in the marketplace since the first exam was launched in June 2009. Hazel Farley, Director of Training and Accreditation noted “These individuals have successfully completed a multi-disciplinary exam encompassing five areas of concentration including pre-design, design, contract management, quality assurance and support, and maintenance. GRP accreditation verifies that the individual has attained the level of interdisciplinary knowledge of best practices associated with the successful design, installation and maintenance of green roof systems. We are delighted with the response that we have received from the industry in embracing this accreditation.” Additionally, Ms. Farley added that “the GRP designation provides a potential client with an easy reference point and all of our GRPs are listed on our website at www.greenroofs.org.”

The green roof industry in North America is rapidly expanding and the need for trained professionals who are familiar with green roof benefits, design, implementation, and technology has never been greater! Accredited Green Roof Professionals (GRPs) are ideally positioned to be a critical member of any green roof team, possessing knowledge of the special requirements and challenges of green roofs from design through to maintenance.

Expanding upon the need for continued growth with the marketplace, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, along with partners General Services Administration (GSA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Government of the District of Columbia, are pleased to announce that they will be hosting the 2010 Green Roofs and Green Walls Regional Conference and Training in Washington, DC, on June 1st and 2nd.

The Regional Conference and Training will provide an opportunity for delegates to connect with leading policy makers at the GSA, EPA, portfolio managers in the District of Columbia, and other agencies and learn how they plan to make their buildings greener and meet new stormwater management requirements. Presentations will demonstrate how to bid competitively on green roof and green wall projects and design, engineering and installation services for federal buildings. A closing plenary session and discussions with local stakeholders will demonstrate how the implementation of green roofs on government rooftops may change local market conditions for other public and private sector buildings. A sold-out trade show, open to the public for a nominal fee, will allow participants to network with the exhibitors and learn about the latest designs, products and services being offered in the green roof and wall world. The conference will conclude on June 3 with separate green roof and wall tours of local, normally inaccessible green roof and wall projects.

For more information about becoming a GRP, or to register for upcoming training courses, conference or green roof tours, visit Green Roofs for Healthy Cities at www.greenroofs.org.

Contact:
Steven Peck, Founder and President, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 416-971-4494 ext. 233.

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