Working under an EPA Office of Research & Development and Regional Applied Research Effort Program cooperative agreement, researchers at Penn State University reported preliminary findings that green or vegetated roofs reduce pH in rainwater and, to a lesser extent, nitrates.

These findings should be of interest to the Mid-Atlantic region's acid rain plagued area.

The research has already spurred local interest in green roof construction in the region, including Swarthmore College. Vegetated "green" roofs conserve energy, reduce and delay peak stormwater flows, increase roof longevity, reduce heat island effect, provide wildlife habitat, and are aesthetically pleasing.

For more information, visit the Penn State Center for Green Roof Research.

3/25/2005