Extensive Green Roof technology involves putting a thin soil and vegetation layer over protection board applied to the waterproof membrane covering the entire roof surface. It offers reduction in storm water run-off and adds insulation value that improves energy performance of a building. It also moderates temperature extremes and avoids direct UV exposure of the roofing system.

 

"We are very pleased to be involved in furthering environmentally responsible roofing practices and helping a beneficial non-profit organization that is dedicated to youth development and environmental stewardship," said Joseph A. Stassi, single ply marketing manager for Johns Manville. "The timing of this donation is particularly significant for us since the UltraGard white PVC membrane recently received the ENERGY STAR® designation from the Environmental Protection Agency. Both the project and the designation reinforce our commitment to environmental stewardship."

 

In addition to the white PVC membrane that earned the EPA designation for its reflective properties, all PVC membranes can be used for Green Roof applications. The PVC membrane provides waterproofing and the protection board serves as a root-resistant barrier. The vegetation layer absorbs rainwater and helps to avoid unwanted heat gain from the roof surface.

 

The Earth Conservation Corps is a non-profit organization that works with disadvantaged youth to provide them with education and training by working on environmental restoration projects. The renovated Pumphouse will be the new ECC office and will share the space with D.C. Fisheries and Wildlife as well as the Anacostia and Potomac Riverkeepers.

 

The Pumphouse was built in 1906 to pump Anacostia River water to generate heat for the Capitol, House and Senate office buildings, and the Library of Congress building. Abandoned in the 1950's, the building is now leased from the city by ECC. This historic, two-story brick building stands on concrete pilings abandoned in one of the nation's most polluted rivers along the shore of Washington, D.C.'s most impoverished community. Current renovation projects will turn this landmark into a gathering place for the environmentally conscious from the local community.

 

A blue-chip volunteer team was assembled to assist with the roofing portion of the project. MAGCO was the roofing contractor and Olympic Fasteners donated the drains. Katrin Scholz-Barth, Director, Sustainable Design of the HOK Planning Group, with the leading architectural firm, HOK, coordinated the project and specified the Johns Manville membrane. Scholz-Barth, who is a native of Germany, has a great deal of experience with the Green Roof technology.

 

MAGCO Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tecta America Corporation and is one of the nations largest roofing contractors with sales in excess of $175 million.

 

"I selected the Johns Manville UltraGard membrane for this project because of my experience with Green Roof technology in Germany," Scholz-Barth said. "I felt very confident this membrane would work well in this application."

 

The roofing contractor, MAGCO Inc., donated their time and machinery to install the membrane. In selecting MAGCO for the project, Scholz-Barth heard nothing but praises about the company. According to Fred Kuntz of the International Monetary Fund, "MAGCO is the best roofing contractor I ever worked with." Mr. David Hawn, Dedicated Roof and Hydro-Solutions, also had high praise for MAGCO. "MAGCO stands out because of extra attention to detail that you don't get from a lot of other contractors," he said.

 

Johns Manville is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality building products. The 142-year-old Denver-based company had sales of $2.2 billion in 1999. Johns Manville employs approximately 9,700 people and operates 58 manufacturing facilities in North America, Europe and China. Additional information can be found at www.jm.com