In August 2013, Green Builder Magazine showcased the best durable/sustainable green building products that are made in the United States, pointing out that American manufacturing creates domestic jobs, reduces the impact of overseas shipping, and often makes use of locally-sourced raw materials.
Among the thirty-one products featured was the Xero Flor Green Roof System (the only green roof system to be included in the issue), which enables builders to create vegetative roofing on surfaces that range from 0 to 45 degree slopes. The Xero Flor system comprises a pre-vegetated mat, XeroTerr growing medium (a mix of compost and porous mineral aggregate), a retention fleece that distributes and stores water within the root zone, drain mat, and root barrier.
Pre-vegetated mats, available in a variety of sedums and mosses, are grown in a textile-based carrier (either geotextile or fleece) along with a ¾” to 1¼” of XeroTerr. Fully saturated, the one-meter-square system weighs 14 pounds; the 1m x 2m system weighs 30 pounds. Xero Flor is the only Cradle to Cradle Certified (for environmental sustainability) pre-vegetated mat system, meeting Silver Level standards for safety and health in materials, recycling and recovery of materials, efficient use of water resources, use of non-polluting and renewable energy sources, carbon emission management, and environmentally-conscious business operations.
“While the Xero Flor Green Roof System has its roots in Europe, all system components for our projects in the U.S. are all 100 percent American-made,” said general manager and technical director of Xero Flor America, Clayton Rugh, Ph.D., in a recent press release. “In addition, we grow our green roof plants on independent, locally owned farms across the country. Using regional horticultural suppliers gives a boost to local economies, supports more sustainable agriculture, and reduces energy use and costs for shipping.”
Since 2002, Xero Flor America has installed the system on projects in 38 states, including academic, private residence, commercial, multi-unit residence, municipal, and health facilities.
The Xero Flor system will be exhibited at Cities Alive, the 11th Annual Green Roof & Wall Conference that will take place in San Francisco on October 23-26, 2013.
Related Articles on JetsonGreen.com:
Xero Flor America Green Roof Named in GreenRoofs.com Project of the Week
Xero Flor Green Roofs Get Cradle to Cradle
Missouri Smith Residence is First Active House in the USA
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