Columbia Green Technologies

04/22/2025

🌍 Happy Earth Day from the CGT Team! 🌍

Today, we celebrate the planet by spotlighting a solution that transforms ordinary rooftops into extraordinary green spaces: Vegetated Roof Systems.

More than just a beautiful layer of nature, vegetated systems are powerful environmental assets—useing rooftop parks, amenity decks, and courtyards to bring nature closer to where we live, work, and play.

Here’s why they matter

✅ Reduces Urban Heat Island Effect
Vegetated roofs cool our cities by absorbing sunlight and releasing moisture through evapotranspiration—cutting down extreme rooftop temperatures and creating more livable urban environments.

✅ Manages Stormwater Naturally
By capturing rainfall, vegetated roofs ease pressure on storm drains and reduce runoff pollution—improving local water quality and helping prevent urban flooding.

✅ Improves Air Quality
Plants on rooftops trap airborne particles and absorb CO₂, contributing to cleaner, healthier air for our communities.

✅ Enhances Energy Efficiency
Vegetated roofs insulate buildings, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling—and helping lower greenhouse gas emissions.

✅ Supports Urban Biodiversity
From pollinators to birds, these spaces offer critical habitat in the heart of the city.

This Earth Day, let’s keep looking up—literally. Whether it’s a rooftop park, an amenity deck, or a courtyard, vegetated systems are helping reshape the urban landscape.

Watch below to see biodiversity in action.
“The Meadow,” part of the The Old Post Office Chicago renovation, is a standout vegetated roof system example of what’s possible when ecology meets design. This rooftop landscape mimics native prairie ecosystems and thrives as a haven for pollinators and people alike.

04/03/2025

Columbia Green Technologies is proud to announce the launch of our NEW Digital Product Catalog, featured in the official press release by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities🌿📣

Created with architects, landscape architects, contractors, and developers in mind, this comprehensive and user-friendly platform brings together our full suite of innovative green infrastructure solutions:

✅ Vegetated Roof Systems (Tray & Layered)
✅ Planters, Paver Systems & Synthetic Turf (At-Grade & On-Structure)
✅ Blue Roof, Sloped, and Solar Vegetated Systems
✅ Expert support + Code-compliant solutions for wind, fire & weight requirements

Built to inspire and support resilient, high-performing spaces from concept to completion.

📄 Read the full press release here:

https://livingarchitecturemonitor.com/news/columbia-green-technologies-unveils-new-digital-product-catalog-featuring-cutting-edge-green-infrastructure-solutions

Columbia Green Technologies proudly announces launch of its new Digital Product Catalog

03/20/2025

Introducing Columbia Green Technologies’ NEW Product Catalog!

We’re excited to unveil our NEW Product Catalog—your go-to resource for innovative green infrastructure solutions that bring flexible, budget-friendly designs to life. Whether you're working on courtyards, rooftop meadows, amenity decks, stormwater management systems, or pool decks, we have the products and expertise to support your vision.

Our catalog features:
✔ Custom Metal Planters, Benches, and Pots
✔ Synthetic Turf, Pavers, and Pedestals
✔ Vegetative Roof Tray Systems & Layered Systems
✔ Growing Media, Rigid Insulation, and EPS & Recycled Glass Foam
✔ Blue Roofs, Bio-Retention Planters, and Solarized Vegetated Roofs

Designed to meet new city wind uplift, fire, and leak protection standards (ANSI SPRI & ASCE-7), our overburden ballasted roofing systems are approved on any roof or waterproofing system—matching their warranties for leak protection, wind uplift, thermal, and fire performance.

For over a decade, we’ve been at the forefront of stormwater management, helping reduce the need for underground tanks while creating functional, cost-effective amenity spaces.

Explore our NEW Product Catalog Today! Click the link HERE https://columbia-green.com/catalog/ to view!

Need specifications, details, or installation guidelines? Contact our team—we’re here to help seamlessly integrate these solutions into your next project!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Columbia Green! 🍂🦃

As we take a moment to reflect on all that we're grateful for, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you—our amazing customers, partners, and team. Your support and trust mean the world to us, and we're truly thankful for the opportunity to work with you.

Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, joy, and good company.

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

11/20/2024

**New Product Announcement: Columbia Green Synthetic Turf & Grates!**

You asked, and we delivered! We’re excited to announce the launch of our **NEW Columbia Green Synthetic Turf, Grates, and Pet Turf** – all designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Our synthetic turf provides a natural, low-maintenance solution that helps reduce stormwater runoff while enhancing the green aesthetic of your space. The grates offer additional support to our pedestal system, ensuring stability and durability. Best of all, these products are backed by our **single-source warranty** and are fully compatible with any waterproofing system.

Key Features:
**Durable, eco-friendly synthetic turf** for a natural look
**Pet Turf** designed for easy maintenance and comfort
**Grates** that provide added support on our pedestal system
**Single-source warranty** for peace of mind
**Compatible with all waterproofing systems**

We’re excited to bring these versatile products to you! Reach out today for more information or to place an order.

Let’s create greener, more functional spaces together!

10/23/2024

🌿Discover the breathtaking NATURE Pedestrian Bridge, nicknamed Overlook Walk at the Seattle Ocean Pavilion! The USA’s first nature-based pedestrian bridge & stairway—it seamlessly connects visitors to the famous Pike Street Market to the Seattle waterfront and Seattle Aquarium while allowing vehicles to pass freely below. It used to take 30 minutes and dodging cars to get from one spot to the other and now you can do it in minutes and the traffic still flows!

According to Mayor Bruce Harrell, “Waterfront Park, particularly Overlook Walk, will be a dynamic landmark that honors our past, highlights Seattle’s spirit of innovation, and welcomes everyone to experience the city’s natural beauty and vibrant culture. This once-in-a-generation transformation represents a powerful reconnection of space and people, as visitors, residents, workers, and families will enjoy seamless connections between downtown, Pike Place Market, and the entire Waterfront Park—the entryway to our region.”

The “on structure” green infrastructure project included our innovative Intensive Sloped Vegetated System (drainage/filter layers, intensive growing media, sloped system). It helps prevent stormwater runoff from entering Puget Sound. We also provided custom tapered geofoam as lightweight fill, designed to minimize waste during installation and protect the surrounding environment by not cutting foam in the field and into the water.

If you're in Seattle, this lush, green destination is a must-visit!

See a recent video showing the transformation of the project: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C90Xy56SzKA/?igsh=YTZwOW1neXFydDh1

See a video showing what visitors can experience when visiting the Overlook Walk Here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAt8vzDhXUy/?igsh=MTh3NmRwOHo5YmpoMA%3D%3D

Sloped Vegetated System Information Here:https://columbia-green.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Layered-Sloped-TIS.pdf

A huge thank you to our partners:
JAMES CORNER FIELD OPERATIONS LIMITED
Hoffman Construction Company
Hoffman Structures, Inc. Inc.
Seattle Department of Transportation

For more information about this project or how we can support your upcoming green initiatives, reach out to Ellen Barlow or Erik Svensson.

10/06/2024

We are happy to support all landscape architects by sponsoring the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s fabulous events this weekend and supporting Barbara Deutsch, Spencer Meyer, and the dedicated LAF Foundation team. It will be a fun night celebrating our work together to create beautiful NATURE-BASED places for people to live, work, and play! The revolution for nature-based architecture and green infrastructure is here and we are PROUD to participate in the movement! Let’s CELEBRATE! See you there!

Thank you to our partners joining us Mike Rushton and Shane Carmadella of BrightView Landscapes, Hickok Cole, and Dan Avrit of ParkerRodriguez, Inc.

Don't forget to say HI to our team Vanessa Keitges, Justin Schopp, and Janelle Cameron tonight at the Landscape Architecture Foundation's 39th Annual Benefit!

10/03/2024

We’re thrilled to announce that Columbia Green Technologies will be at the 2024 Annual ASLA Conference in Washington, DC, from October 6th to 9th! Are you planning to attend?

Make sure to stop by booth #2221 and meet our team—Valerie Irons, Sr. Business Development Manager, and Janelle Cameron, Marketing Manager/NE Sales Representative. They’ll be showcasing our cutting-edge custom planters, benches, growing media, vegetative systems, and green infrastructure products for stormwater management for on structure, ready to answer any design or application questions you might have around wind uplift and new fire codes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore how we can work together to create greener, more sustainable cities. We’re eager to connect with fellow professionals who share our passion for innovative solutions in landscape architecture.

Check out the conference details here: https://lnkd.in/grBa7Fz

09/17/2024

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
Don’t miss out—register now and join Valerie Irons and Justin Schopp from our team at the Sustainable DC Summit tomorrow, September 18th in Vienna, VA! 🌿They will be showcasing our latest and greatest innovations in vegetative systems for above-structure plantings.

Our cutting-edge products are designed to tackle climate change head-on by reducing the heat island effect, minimizing stormwater runoff, and conserving energy. Plus, they enhance biodiversity and support overall wellness.

We’re thrilled to connect with you and share how our solutions can make a difference!

Secure your spot here: //summit.dcsdesign.com/2024-dc-sustainability-summit-2/

See you there! 🌍💚

09/12/2024

We’re just one day away from showcasing and presenting at WASLA 2024 in Spokane, WA! Join us on Friday, September 13th to discover the newest innovations in above-structure green infrastructure. Visit Ellen Barlow at Booth #18, and catch our Technical Director, Andrea Saven, as she presents on specifying vegetated roofing systems. She’ll share best practices, common pitfalls, and key insights.

Can’t wait to see you there!

09/12/2024

We’re excited to share that Samuel Irwin recently had a fantastic visit to our latest project at 1131 W. Winona St. in Chicago, IL! This project truly shines with our standout vegetated roofing assembly and enhances an already incredible cityscape.

Thank you to Diaz Group LLC for their exceptional installation work and to Method Construction as the General Contractor.

Check out the photos below to see Sam’s visit and get a closer look at this outstanding vegetated roof project! 📸