It’s Lonely When You’re Small and Alone

I absolutely love Chicago, the green city at Signal vs. Noise. My favorite quote (from the comments):

The Chicago Department of Environment is monitoring the rooftop garden as part of its Urban Heat Island Initiative. A study by an environmental consulting firm found that Chicago could save about $100 million a year in energy costs if 30 percent of the city’s roofs were greened.

Greenroofs can save energy through a combination of shading, evapotranspiration, and insulation, reducing cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter. By providing a protective covering, gardens also prevent mechanical damage to roofs, which may extend their life up to 40-75 years. In addition to these direct financial benefits, large office buildings with rooftop gardens can provide a place for stressed employees to unwind and relax, reduce noise transmission into the building, and increase property value.

Huge energy savings for something that helps save Earth. Glad to see forward looking politicians, it’s a welcome change.