Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC), the North American industry association for professionals working in the green roof and wall industry and the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia (RCABC) have signed an agreement to develop and pilot three new training and certification programs to complement the existing Green Roof Professional (GRP) training program run by GRHC.

“The development of practical, hands-on training for green roof installation, maintenance and quality assurance with the RCABC will complete the core green roof professional development and certification program, started more than 10 years ago with the Green Roof Professional,” said Steven Peck, GRP, founder and president, Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.

The successful Green Roof Professional accreditation started in 2009 and since has seen more than 1500 professionals go through the program. The courses, now available online, focus on green roof design and installation, plants and growing media and waterproofing and drainage systems. The GRP accreditation program has been crucial to the success of the green roof industry because it has disseminated best practices widely.

The new training program will introduce more professionals to green roofs and sustainable building practices and create a skilled workforce. The development of the program will be lead by Ed Snodgrass, president, Green Roof Plants and an advisory committee of experts.

“RCABC has a long history of standards development and training to support quality roofing by its members.  The new training materials will help ensure high-quality performance of green roof systems across British Columbia and mitigate risk for owners. We look forward to working with GRHC and the advisory committee,” said Bryan Wallner, CEO, RCABC.