Inspired is proud to be leading the way with this enviromentally friendly construction practice and is a certified Green Roof Contractor. We look forward to working with both residential and commercial customers in their efforts to enhance the efficiency of their homes and buildings through reduced heating and cooling costs as well as many other benefits!

The practice of "Greening" a roof is not new however the technology and practices presently employed have come a long way. Early green roofs were sod covered roof tops and walls which were used as a method of insulation by the Vikings. There is also evidence that similar applications were in place prior to 600 BC in Mesopotamia.

Since these early days of covering structures with organic matter, much work has been done to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of growing vegetation on unnatural substrates.

The European movement to reduce the environmental impact of urban sprawl has brought about great strides in construction practices and has brought the idea into mainstream building. Green roofs can be found throughout Germany, France, Austria, Norway, Switzerland and many other European states.

North America is slowly catching on to the "living roof" concept and many properties throughout our major cities show just how creative this work has become. Some examples being:

• York University, Toronto
• Fairmont Hotel, Vancouver
• Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters and Oak Hammock Marsh Int. Ctr., Winnipeg
• Millennium Park, Chicago
• Ford Rouge River Truck Plant, Dearborn