Though it is virtually unheard of in Southern California, Jim Mumford of Good Earth Plants in Kearny Mesa plans to demonstrate how to create a green roof specifically designed for San Diego. While creating a green retreat, Jim will be monitoring reduced energy usage and storm water runoff.

Green roofs will be installed on two of the three buildings at Good Earth Plants. The third building will be kept as a control. Centrally located, the site is five miles from the Pacific Ocean and sits between the coastal and inland weather patterns.

As evidence continues to mount that climate changes and polluted coastal waters have a negative effect on our environment, green roofs are being considered to improve the environmental and energy performance of buildings. Green roofs have been used in Germany, Northern Europe and Japan for more than 30 years to help reduce the urban heat island effect and storm water run-off problems.

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