Closed Loop Advisors is proud to have helped our client, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), secure grant funding to install a green roof on its NYC headquarters.
The green infrastructure grants were announced on April 21, 2012 by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Creating green infrastructure, and encouraging projects that capture and store stormwater before releasing it into the sewer system are high priorities for the City of New York.
Just like a storm, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) jumped at the opportunity to do what they do best: work for mother nature within the local community. On February 15 of this year, NRDC with the help of Croxton Collaborative Architects and Closed Loop Advisors, submitted an application to the DEP to construct a comprehensive green roof on their 40 West 20th Street property.
Croxton designed the green roof while Closed Loop Advisors acted as the sustainability consultant. In this role, we completed a variety of tasks to help complete the application under a tight deadline. We had fun working with NRDC and Croxton as we wrote sections of the application, commented on the drawings, secured community partners, and helped keep the project on schedule.
The design will build upon the sustainable rooftop features that NRDC’s headquarters already boasts. Existing solar panels and an apiary will be joined by a green roof, urban farming space, rainwater cisterns and four lofty trees that will be visible from the street as they mature.
We were impressed with Croxton’s creative design that is at once beautiful and utilitarian. We were able to apply our knowledge of solar arrays to improve on one aspect of the design – suggesting plants that thrive in shade for under the solar panels to increase the efficiency of their power generation.
Garnering support from various interested New York City stakeholders was key. Closed Loop reached out to numerous potential proponents of the green roof via phone and in-person appeals asking for written endorsement. Sustainable South Bronx, Union Square Partnership, and the International Facility Management Association all enthusiastically provided letters of support.
Community aspects of sustainability are just as important as the physical elements. Closed Loop helped to identify opportunities for sharing the space with NRDC’s NY neighbors by using it to educate local citizens, especially school children. We were very excited to partner with Sustainable South Bronx, who trains New Yorkers with green job skills, and have them aid with the installation of the green roof.
The future green roof on NRDC’s Chelsea property will not only prevent flooding and provide flora for regional species, but will provide opportunities for educating and employing local community members. We’re extremely excited to remain part of this project as it moves into planning and construction.
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Closed Loop Advisors is a role model for how to approach sustainability initiatives. You not only collaborated with other experts on the technological and financial aspects, but also actively sought to benefit the community (e.g. educating local school children and green job skills training). This integrated approach will create value on the triple bottom-lines of people, planet, and profits.
I look forward to seeing pictures of the design and the green roof when it is completed!
Well done JD!