West Philadelphia CDC Launches Green Roofing and Cool Roofing Program

March 26, 2010

The Partnership CDC Launches “Green Improvement” Programs; City to Match Funds

The Partnership CDC is organizing a training initiative that will focus on Green Roofing and Cool Roofing Technology, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, energy efficiency, and healthy homes.  The program will be a direct service to our community, because we will be training local individuals and installing energy efficient and economical Green and Cool roofs on homes across West Philadelphia.  The Partnership CDC will be providing many useful resources to blocks that choose to participate in the Green and Healthy Neighborhoods program.  Participants will have access to our Healthy Homes program, our Financial Literacy and Budgeting classes, and our Energy Conservation programs.  Installation of Green and Cool roofs are included in the energy conservation component.  The installation of these roofs by people from West Philadelphia is an exciting addition to the program.

Green and Cool roofing is a growing field in Philadelphia with great potential for growth because of our abundant flat- roof housing stock.  With the installation of a green or cool roof, the existing roof lasts two to five times longer, saving on maintenance costs.  A building with a green roof uses up to 50% less energy to cool and up to 20% less energy to heat saving substantially on long term operating expenses.  The soil and plants of a green roof absorb rainwater saving the local municipality on storm water management costs.  Green and Cool roofs are low maintenance, cost effective investments.  West Philadelphia as a whole will benefit from energy conservation and the energy savings that come along with these exciting technologies. 
It is our hope that through participation in our program, our neighborhoods and students will have the tools that they need to participate and become employed in Philadelphia’s growing “Green” activities while providing many valuable services to the community.     

For more information about any of our Green Initiatives please contact Alix Howard at (215) 662-1612 x. 22 or ahoward@thepartnershipcdc.org.

WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal