Dr Jeremy Lundholm, a professor in the Biology and Environmental Science departments, runs a green roof ecology research project high above the classrooms at Saint Mary's. During his introductory lecture, Dr Lundholm outlined some of the many energy-saving and ecological benefits of green roof technology, and described some of the cutting-edge research being conducted right here at Saint Mary's.

Leaving the classroom to visit two outdoor research sites, our BNUZ scholars had the chance to participate in some experiments that demonstrate these remarkable benefits. As temperatures topped 30 degrees Celsius, students recorded the temperatures of various artificial and natural roof coverings, noting that surfaces covered by vegetation were significantly cooler than standard roofing membrane. They also conducted experiments that illustrate how large-scale urban green roofs could mitigate stormwater runoff, a major headache in urban centres in both Canada and China.