Research: Green Infrastructure in Syracuse

These photos document the beginning of a project that began in Summer 2011 to examine the performance of a 1.5 acre green roof on the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center in downtown Syracuse. The convention center is managed by Onondaga County and is part of the complex of buildings known as the OnCenter. The building was constructed in 1992, and the roof is being replaced. Sensors are installed as the roof is constructed. When the roof is completed and all instruments are operational, we will be able to monitor temperature in different layers of the roof, incoming rain as well as snow, water running off the roof into the sewer lines, and moisture content of the growth medium at several locations on the roof. Weather data will also be obtained, and all of the data will be accessible on the web. Those involved in this project and related research include PhD students Mallory Squier, Carli Flynn, and Jeremy Tamargo, and undergraduates Pavle Bujanovic, Richard Murray, and Janique Cheeseman.

Photo 1.  Laying sensors and cables within the insulation of the roof. Shown in the photo are (L to R) Han Pham from Onondaga County Physical Facilities; Mallory Squier; an unidentified construction worker; and Pavle Bujanovic. Photo taken July 27, 2011.

Photo 2.  Mallory placing sensor cables around one of the roof drains after the insulation is covered. Photo taken just before the roof membrane was applied. Photo taken July 30, 2011.

Photo 3.  Pavle Bujanovic and Carli Flynn laying cables over the roof membrane. The blue bags contain growth medium which will be spread to a thickness of 3.5 inches before sedums are planted. Photo taken September 21, 2011.