Muncie, Indiana
The Ball State Daily News
Minnetrista installs roof with eco-friendly twist
By: Sarah Cox
Published: Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Muncie's Minnetrista Cultural Center is going green. Since Sept. 9 the building has been saving on energy consumption and providing a habitat for birds and insects.
"As an institution, one of our goals is to become more green and educating people along the way is also part of our mission," President and CEO Betty Brewer said.
Half of the cultural center's roof was replaced with a garden, while the other half still includes the original materials.
"We'll be comparing heat and water absorption to see how that works out in terms of energy efficiency and the kinds of benefits the green roof is supposed to supply," Brewer said.
The second level of the Minnetrista Center has large windows that overlook the premises, which allows visitors to have a clear view of the green roof.
"I think that green roofing is an excellent idea for economically friendly societies," Senior Laura Breen, exercise science major, said. "Even if they are expensive, the long-term benefits will compensate the costs. These roofs will cut back on energy costs and improve air quality."
The Minnetrista Cultural Center is the first building in Muncie to have a green roof installed. Even though it is the only one in Muncie, it's not the first in the nation.
"There's one in Holland, Mich., and it's the largest modular system, which means the plants and the soil all come in a tray," Visitor Services Manager Tanya Brock said. "This is the same type of system Minnetrista has. Not only does it add aesthetics to Minnetrista, but it lowers the temperature in the building which will then lower energy costs."
Muncie citizens have had the opportunity to take tours in Minnetrista to experience the green roof themselves.
"It's not incredibly large compared to other green roofs, but most of what we've been talking with visitors about in relationship to the green roof is explaining what it is and how they can build their own," Brock said.
Green roofing is a new concept and therefore few people have had the opportunity to see one, Brock said. A cart next to the upstairs window in Minnetrista explains the effectiveness of the green roof with plants and diagrams.
"We went with a particular company that sets up the system," Brock said. "That company was called Live Roof."
Green roofing is not limited to businesses; It is also available for any homeowner.
"What we recommend people to do is to think about how much of a green roof they want to install and how expensive it will be," Brock said. "Then from there it's just a matter of checking with a roof engineer and whether or not the structure of the business or home can take the additional weight. After that, a membrane or water protectant must be put on the roof, and there must be decisions made regarding what plants are appropriate for the climate you live in. Green roofs are fairly low maintenance and soak up just as much sun as a regular roof. In rainy seasons, they soak up as much rain as usual, which would help eliminate excessive rain into drains."
The green roof at Minnetrista has the opportunity to be a catalyst for other businesses in Muncie to go green, Brock said.
"We hope that by installing our green roof that we will be the testing ground and diving board of inspiration for the homeowner and local businesses," she said. "We want to show them how easy and beneficial green roofing is."
Green details
Muncie's Minnetrista Cultural Center is going green. Since Sept. 9 the building has been saving on energy consumption and providing a habitat for birds and insects.
"As an institution, one of our goals is to become more green and educating people along the way is also part of our mission," President and CEO Betty Brewer said.
Half of the cultural center's roof was replaced with a garden, while the other half still includes the original materials.
"We'll be comparing heat and water absorption to see how that works out in terms of energy efficiency and the kinds of benefits the green roof is supposed to supply," Brewer said.
The second level of the Minnetrista Center has large windows that overlook the premises, which allows visitors to have a clear view of the green roof.
"I think that green roofing is an excellent idea for economically friendly societies," Senior Laura Breen, exercise science major, said. "Even if they are expensive, the long-term benefits will compensate the costs. These roofs will cut back on energy costs and improve air quality."
The Minnetrista Cultural Center is the first building in Muncie to have a green roof installed. Even though it is the only one in Muncie, it's not the first in the nation.
"There's one in Holland, Mich., and it's the largest modular system, which means the plants and the soil all come in a tray," Visitor Services Manager Tanya Brock said. "This is the same type of system Minnetrista has. Not only does it add aesthetics to Minnetrista, but it lowers the temperature in the building which will then lower energy costs."
Muncie citizens have had the opportunity to take tours in Minnetrista to experience the green roof themselves.
"It's not incredibly large compared to other green roofs, but most of what we've been talking with visitors about in relationship to the green roof is explaining what it is and how they can build their own," Brock said.
Green roofing is a new concept and therefore few people have had the opportunity to see one, Brock said. A cart next to the upstairs window in Minnetrista explains the effectiveness of the green roof with plants and diagrams.
"We went with a particular company that sets up the system," Brock said. "That company was called Live Roof."
Green roofing is not limited to businesses; It is also available for any homeowner.
"What we recommend people to do is to think about how much of a green roof they want to install and how expensive it will be," Brock said. "Then from there it's just a matter of checking with a roof engineer and whether or not the structure of the business or home can take the additional weight. After that, a membrane or water protectant must be put on the roof, and there must be decisions made regarding what plants are appropriate for the climate you live in. Green roofs are fairly low maintenance and soak up just as much sun as a regular roof. In rainy seasons, they soak up as much rain as usual, which would help eliminate excessive rain into drains."
The green roof at Minnetrista has the opportunity to be a catalyst for other businesses in Muncie to go green, Brock said.
"We hope that by installing our green roof that we will be the testing ground and diving board of inspiration for the homeowner and local businesses," she said. "We want to show them how easy and beneficial green roofing is."
Green details
- Minnetrista is the first building in Muncie to have a green roof.
- A green roof lowers the temperature in the building, which will then lower the energy costs.
- Green roofs are modular systems, which means the plants and soil come in a tray.
- The company that sets up the green roof is called Live Roof.
- Green roofs are fairly low maintenance, they soak up as much sun and as much water as a regular roof does.