NEW REPORT! Rooftop Resources Neighborhood Assessment

What would a diverse, urban neighborhood look like if every building's roof were used to generate resources? Following the philosophy that every roof is a resource, the Neighborhood Assessment set out to project each building's productivity of food water and energy. Bay Localize worked with engineering firm Holmes Culley, urban planning firm Design, Community and Environment and multiple experts and volunteers to assess a quarter mile study area in the Eastlake District of Oakland.

» Download this analysis as a PDF document.

Ten common building types were identified within the area; their structural integrity and characteristics were identified and conceptual prototypes were assigned to each building. Holmes Culley designed a set of conceptual retrofits for each building that would be required to accommodate heavier gardens. The costs (per square foot) were also projected for these retrofits.

Rooftop System Benefits and Prototypes Assessed
The productivity benefits of rooftop gardens, renewable energy, and rainwater catchment technologies were quantified using clear methodologies that can be used for similar applications. This analysis incorporated research and expertise from local, nationwide and global organizations such as the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, NorCal Solar Energy Association, UC Cooperative Extension, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, City Slicker Farms, REC Solar, Build It Green and more.

Shown above and below are a few illustrations of the Neighborhood Assessment rooftop prototypes. The graphic at the left shows a cross section of the Hydroponic Rooftop Garden and the graphic below shows a combination of the Solar Photovoltaics and Rainwater Harvesting prototypes. The report also includes an assessment of State and city regulations, zoning codes and other requirements, thus identifying pathways for implementation and opportunities and challenges to overcome. Architectural requirements and cost ranges for each rooftop system were also assessed.

In the report, you will see photos and references to powerful and relevant case studies from the Bay Area and beyond. These case studies serve partly as benchmarks and models that we identify as feasible models to replicate here in the Bay Area. There are many great possibilities and options for establishing rooftop technologies that produce energy, and energy conserving thermal insulation, food, and water supplies.

The Neighborhood Assessment outlines a framework of these possibilities in a portion of one neighborhood. The possibilities that are assessed show how cities can become more sustainable with buildings that provide a high functionality; bringing food water and energy home right above our heads. We believe the report is an engaging and dynamic read, with many photos, graphics and diagrams and tables that provide a comprehensive analysis. We encourage you to give us your critical feedback and share your thoughts with us.

Next Steps?
Although the rooftop systems proposed in the Neighborhood Assessment are grounded by solid case studies and research, they are conceptual, and need further experimentation to test their projected scales of productivity here in the Bay Area. We believe education and leadership can bring about the kinds of benefits that so many cities have successfully demonstrated. Policy and government support are essential keys to fostering the implementation of these systems. Rooftops are currently untapped resources, and a package of appropriate design, development incentives, and public support is crucial to fulfilling their great potential. Please join our efforts!

Hard Copy of the Report Available
While the report is free for those who would like to download it from our website, you can support our efforts by donating $35 (to cover printing and postage costs) for a color, bound copy of the report. The report can be ordered by calling 510-834-0420 or e-mailing ingrid@baylocalize.org, or by sending a check for $35 made payable to Earth Island Institute, with Bay Localize/NA Report in the memo. Mail it to Bay Localize, 436 14th Street #1127, Oakland, CA 94612. The report will be delivered to you within 3-5 business days.

* Please note that ordering a copy of the report is a donation and not tax-deductible *