GRIT Lab principal investigator Liat Margolis and assistant researchers Catherine Yoon (MLA 15) and Matthew Perotto (MLA 15) received a MITACS Accelerate grant supporting research with industry partners Tremco Roofing and Bioroof Systems. The grant will allow the research team to investigate the practicality and benefits of integrating photovoltaic (PV) arrays (i.e. integrated groups of solar panels) with green roofs.

Throughout Canada, manufacturers and distributors of green roof and PV panels compete for installation projects above rooftops. These technologies are often viewed as direct competitors as both systems reduce the environmental impact of buildings, albeit through different mechanisms. Consequently, rooftop designs rarely, if ever, apply both technologies. However, when integrated together, green roof systems may improve the energy performance and lifetime of PV arrays through evapotranspirative cooling in combination with solar reflectance. Currently, there exists no published data on the practicality and benefits of integrating solar PV with green roof systems in Canada. The research at the GRIT Lab will deliver improved models, design tool and guidelines, and Canadian-based performance data which are essential to build consumer acceptance of new roof systems and drive innovation.

Tremco Roofing has been a leading innovator and provider of roofing and weathering proofing solutions since 1928. Tremco Roofing has a long history of working with building owners, facilities professionals and architects to create vegetated roofs that help manage water and energy usage. Tremco Roofing is a sponsor of the Daniels B.E.S.T. lecture series and one of the lead industry partners of the GRIT Lab.

Bioroof Systems is a Canadian green roof systems manufacturer which was established in 2007. Bioroof’s materials are largely manufactured in Southern Ontario according to theories and designs developed by horticulturalist Rick Buist. Bioroof systems has installed over a million square feet of green roofs, each one using local horticultural knowledge and hands-on experience to combine native plants species and locally composted organic materials and producing high performance systems geared to the Canadian climate. Several innovative and high profile projects include the War Museum in Ottawa, the Williams building in Winnipeg and Covenant House Youth Shelter in Toronto. Bioroof Systems is one of the lead industry partners of the GRIT Lab.

Liat Margolis is Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture in the Daniels Faculty. She was Director of the Materials Collection at Harvard Graduate School of Design and Director of Research at Material ConneXion, where she developed a material database and consulted to a broad range of design firms and manufacturers. At GRIT Lab, Margolis is responsible for the experimental design and construction of the lab facility and manages a multidisciplinary team of researchers and industry partners.

Catherine Yoon and Matthew Perotto have recently completed their first year in the MLA program at Daniels.