Living Green-Roofed Bus Shelter Pops Up in Downtown Buffalo

A new green-roofed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/duo-gards-blossoms-of-hope-bus-shelter-sprouts-in-minneapolis/" target="_blank">bus shelter</a> has popped up on a bustling corner in downtown Buffalo. Designed by Kevin V. Connors of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/eco_logic-STUDIO-architecture-engineering-PLLC/216295731744447" target="_blank">eco_logic STUDIO</a>, the living roof is the first of its kind for the city. The thriving <a href="http://inhabitat.com/philadelphia-plants-its-very-first-bus-stop-green-roof/" target="_blank">planted roof</a> boasts a patch of colorful succulents that will withstand Buffalo’s changing seasons.

Along with eco_logic STUDIO, the NFTA approached <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/spacecutter-reimagines-a-mccarren-park-warehouse-into-a-green-roofed-hipster-farmers-market/" target="_blank">living roof</a> company Green Top, to install the piece.

Green, yellow, blue-green and red sedum succulents grow over the roof, infusing color and life to the shelter. They also help keep bus riders cool while waiting in the summer, and a few degrees warmer in the winter. The succulents also help <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/cook-foxs-leed-ci-platinum-641-avenue-of-the-americas-is-capped-with-a-sprawling-green-roof/" target="_blank">filter rain water</a>, diverting it from the storm sewer on the street below.

Jackson is an inspiration for sustainability advocates worldwide, proving there is power in suggestion.

The living bus roof was the brain child of sustainable enthusiast Mike Jackson, who brought his idea to <a href="http://www.nfta.com/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority</a>’s Kimberley Minkel. By simply writing a letter with his idea, the Buffalo resident saw it become a reality not long after.

The five foot by eleven foot roof garden was installed on the corner of North Division and Ellicott Streets, on one of the busiest bus shelters in the city.

The entire project cost a few thousand dollars, and has been receiving compliments from bus riders and officials alike. The <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/pratt-students-push-the-envelope-with-multifunctional-green-roofs/" target="_blank">green roof</a> joins the NFTA’s drive to implement more sustainable methods, like their new hybrid busses that joined their fleet.