The Green Roof & Infrastructure Resource Handbook highlights the wide-ranging benefits these systems bring to individual users, project sites, and surrounding communities while offering practical tools for planning and design.

The first edition features nine case studies from across the Boston region, showcasing a diversity of project types, goals, and lessons learned. Current examples include Saugus Middle-High School, Bristol County Agricultural High School, Boston Medical Center Newmarket, St. Henry’s Farm, Josiah Quincy Upper School, MIT Hayden Library Courtyard, Northeastern’s EXP Building, New England Avenue, and Harvard University’s Science and Engineering Complex. As new projects and technologies emerge, the handbook will continue to expand as a living document.

The resource is organized around three core components:

1. Case Studies: Real-world examples of green roofs and green infrastructure projects in Greater Boston, highlighting design intent, challenges, and key takeaways.
2. Policy & Regulation: Regional and national initiatives that illustrate how communities are advancing and incentivizing this work.
3. Technical Resources: Deeper guidance for those seeking comprehensive insight into research, design, installation practices, and long-term maintenance.

While each project aims to meet specific user needs, green roofs and green infrastructure frequently generate benefits far beyond the property line. These systems can help moderate heat island impacts, improve energy performance, reduce noise, manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, support health and well-being, create new educational and agricultural opportunities, and offer welcoming, vegetated amenity spaces.

Developed by the BSA's Green Roof Infrastructure Team (GRIT) Knowledge Community, the handbook supports the Knowledge Community’s mission to elevate the role of green roofs, vegetated wall systems, and other green infrastructure in mitigating climate change. GRIT continues to organize public programs, foster collaboration, and advocate for policies that encourage greener, more resilient cities. This new handbook is intended to serve as a valuable tool for designers, policymakers, property owners, educators, and community members alike.

Explore the Green Roof & Infrastructure Resource Handbook and learn more about the work behind it at knocos.architects.org.