Denver’s “Green Roof” Initiative Has Fire/Life Safety Aspects

18 Apr Denver’s “Green Roof” Initiative Has Fire/Life Safety Aspects

Denver’s newly passed Initiative 300, more commonly known as the “green roof” initiative, which requires new and existing buildings of 25,000 ft² and larger to create a green roof or a combination of green roof and solar energy, has sparked debate in the fire protection community. Wayne Griswold, PE, CFPS, who leads TERPconsulting’s Colorado outpost, weighed in on the considerations with regard to fire/life safety concerns.

“The topic of Denver’s Green Roof mandate will continue to merge goals of green energy and fire/life safety. A responsible design, fire protection or otherwise, should consider all building elements and goals including energy efficiency, air quality, and occupant life safety,” explained Wayne. “The extent of the fuel loads that will be added to building rooftops will need to be considered, particularly in off-growing seasons where vegetation can become increasingly suspect to flame propagation due to Colorado’s dry climate. How this concern is addressed will be crucial to furthering this initiative.”

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