Roofing the way to a greener future

By Emma Peterson. 

GRHC’s green roof installer certification is helping professionals combat climate change and build more sustainable systems. 

Climate change continues to be a growing concern for individuals across the globe. With increasing numbers of extreme weather events (such as hurricanes, floods and heatwaves) and rising sea levels that are displacing communities and harming economies, everyone is affected. The roofing industry knows this well, with crews facing extreme work conditions (like over 100°F workdays) and homeowners looking for energy-efficient solutions more than ever. That’s where organizations like Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) come in. GRHC is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit that works in the contracting industry. Their goal is to protect individuals and the larger industry by increasing awareness of social, economic and environmental benefits to installing more green roofs and walls. 

As part of their efforts to raise awareness and standards for green roofing, GRHC developed the Green Roof Installation and Maintenance Professional (GRIMP) Accreditation. In 2021, GRHC met with the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) and a committee of industry professionals and experts to discuss the lack of formalized training surrounding green roof systems. The product of this meeting was a new certification (GRIMP) that “involves a combination of hands-on and presentation style training. It introduces attendees to the basic skills and knowledge required to install green roofs and maintain them.” Designed for general contractors, roofing consultants, property managers, engineers, landscape contractors and more, this training covers everything from roof qualification requirements for green roofs to the best installation techniques. 

The first person to complete the GRIMP certification process was Andrey Lykov in the summer of 2023. Andrey shared a bit about what compelled him to participate in this program, saying, “Engaging in the GRIMP training program was an enlightening journey into the essential skills of green roof installation and maintenance. This practical course served as a platform to augment my knowledge, paving the way for robust, resilient and sustainable green roofs for healthy cities.” For those who want to follow in Andrey’s footsteps, GRHC has many different materials available to help professionals start the journey to GRIMP accreditation. There are three training courses to help you prepare — Green Roof Design and Installation; Green Roof Waterproofing and Drainage; and Green Roof Plants and Growing Media — all available on the Green Infrastructure Store. Once you have become familiar with all the material, you can take the GRP Accreditation Exam online! 

For more information about GRIMP and how to become certified, check out their website! If you have questions regarding the examination specifically, you can email training@greenroofs.org. 

Photo source: Green Roofs for Healthy Cities