Students at the Boston Latin School, the oldest public school in the nation, are leading the charge to install a
50,000 square foot sustainable roof on the top of their campus. More than just a
green roof, the sustainable roof will act as a
living laboratory that allows the students to experience and study renewable energy, green design, and sustainability first hand. The student group
BLS Youth CAN (Climate Action Network) came up with the idea back in 2007, and with the pro bono help of Gail Sullivan of
Studio G Architects they are making the dream into a reality.
In 2007, the students screened An Inconvenient Truth, came up with the idea for the green roof, and lobbied the administration. The idea was approved, and Studio G Architects helped the students design the rooftop into what will eventually be a sustainable living laboratory. The students have been fundraising and applying for grants in order to pay for the 50,000 sq foot roofscape ($5-6.2 million), which has already started construction. The project includes a 28-solar panel array and 350 trays of sedum.
Eventually, as funds become available, the sustainable roof will include a series of vertical-axis wind turbines, a cafeteria garden, a greenhouse and an orchard that will provide fresh local produce and help encourage healthy eating habits. Additionally, a contemplative garden will be created for leisure, studying, and classes to inspire the students.
[...] Public opinion strongly swayed the design of the new stadium, and the finalized plan places a strong focus on environmentally friendly features, good acoustics, glazed panels and outside seating areas. As for green strategies, the arena will boast energy-efficient air source pumps for heating, rainwater collection, and a green sedum roof. [...]