Up to 70% of towns or cities may be impervious (covered in bitumen, asphalt and concrete), and restoring some of that area with plants and soils (green infrastructure) helps reduce the impacts and dangers caused by stormwater, urban heat, peak energy demand, and pollution. Further to plants and trees on the ground, vegetated roofs are exceptionally potent tools for climate adaptation and resilience. On average, roofs occupy 20-30% of urban surfaces, while buildings account for 40% total energy consumption worldwide.

We envision a future where BC’s land- and roofscapes are covered by regenerative ecosystems, creating conditions that promote reconciliation and equity, food security, and that allow all living beings to thrive. The goal of this project is to raise awareness, literacy, and current understanding about green roofs (GR) and green infrastructure (GI), in order to leverage their full benefits to BC communities.

Covering roofs with even very shallow vegetated roofing assemblies can deliver numerous co-benefits, both public and private, at the same time. Benefits include, but are not limited to:

• reduce and delay stormwater runoff  (imagine “sponge cities”)
• clean and reduce the urban heat island
• thermal insulation, meaning fewer greenhouse gas emissions from air conditioning (and reducing grid pressure during heat waves)
• extend the lifespan of waterproofing three-fold (or longer!)
• enhance solar power generation when combined with photovoltaic panels
• restore the water cycle and prevent forest fires
• provide opportunities for urban agriculture and human well-being
• suppress fire and extinguish embers
• create habitat for biodiversity, especially birds and bees
• create green jobs

Help us achieve widespread implementation of these multi-functional investments

Investment is a good way to regard GR and GI, as they appreciate in value over time. In particular, GRs provide multiple benefits without needing valuable space at grade to maximize return on investment for efficient land use.

The intersectionality of GRs highlights the importance of trans-disciplinary understanding and collaboration. As such, our vision of widespread implementation (with appropriate policies, planning, design and maintenance) is hinged on education and mapping. By donating to this campaign, you are supporting our mission to:

• advance literacy and understanding about GR and GI, empowering all citizens to get involved in greening their communities
• generate current data and maps that identify low hanging fruit for BC municipalities (“Sponge City” interventions)

Support our Education

In 2025, GRIN launched its educational programming, which is designed to reach a range of audiences, including professionals, DIY champions, policy makers, researchers and practitioners, as well as children and youth.

In 2026-27, our goal is to raise $5,000 to leverage funding to educate and train high school students about green infrastructure function and co-benefits. Equipping citizens and youth with tangible skills for stewardship and maintenance will empower them to take action on improving the health, well-being, resilience, and biodiversity of their communities. This project also provides youth with career perspectives, hope, and meaningful work.

Support our Mapping

Using high-resolution satellite images and analysis by fully trained AI algorithms, this campaign aims to map existing and potential green infrastructure in towns and cities across BC. In 2024, we mapped 20 km² of the City of Vancouver, and your donation will allow us to expand.

Mapping existing and potential green infrastructure, including vegetated roofs, will grant planners, decision makers and stakeholders strategic clarity for how to respond to projected climate risks and vulnerabilities. As climate change progresses, with extremes projected to continue to intensify across BC, many municipalities face serious challenges and threats. The data and visuals produced by this project will support strategic decision-making on climate resilience for communities across BC.

Greening BC Cities: Green Roof Mapping and Education is a joint project of Small Change Fund and The Green Roof Infrastructure Network (GRIN) BC.