UTEP installs Southwest's first commercial 'green roof'
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In the world of green roofs, UTEP's $200,000 initiative is what's known as an extensive model, meaning organic materials are not placed on the roof proper, but on trays. The trays sit on top of a roofing membrane, or sheets of roofing material.
Intensive roofs house plants directly, such as the one implemented by The University of Texas Health Science Center School of Nursing in Houston.
Soltero said he hopes other institutions and organizations follow suit with green roofs.
"UTEP is serving as a catalyst to encourage the city and other developers to create these roofs, which are much more efficient than standard roofs," he said.
Green roofs are geared to last between 20 and 30 years, and are one of many sustainable, environmentally sound practices UTEP has instituted over the years. The university also features drought-resistant landscaping, waterless urinals and lowflush toilets and bike-changing rooms with lockers and showers to encourage cycling to class.
"(UTEP) has been involved in sustainable energy for many years," Soltero said. "We wanted to create something more practical for the community at large.
"So why not create something a little more sustainable than an asphalt roof?"
