Green Roof at 1425 K Street, NW

The largest green roof downtown and the first on a commercially-owned building in the District was installed on our building at 1425 K Street, NW in June 2004.

The 3,500 square feet project serves as a high quality and accessible demonstration of a cost effective and proven green technology that is now gaining momentum in the District.

The 1425 K Street Green roof is the result of a partnership between Casey Trees, D.C. Greenworks, and the building owner and property manager, Blake Real Estate. The project was funded by grants from the DC Department of Health and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Green roofs provide multiple benefits. Research has shown that they can:

• Reduce and clean stormwater runoff
• Cool the air in summer
• Lower building energy costs
• Improve air quality
• Provide habitat
• Last twice as long as conventional roofs

One goal of this demonstration project in the heart of the downtown business district is to encourage other commercial owners to install green roofs when their existing roofs need replacement. With the life of a commercial roof typically just 20-30 years and most commercial roofs requiring no structural changes to accommodate a green roof, green roofs represent an opportunity to make significant environmental improvements in highly urbanized areas. 

For more information, please contact Heather Whitlow at hwhitlow@caseytrees.org.