An updated GRO Code has been unveiled by the Green Roof Organisation (GRO) to give guidance to those carrying out work on the design, specification, installation or maintenance of the green roof.


The first GRO Code was published in 2011, with the support of the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) with the intention of creating set of guidelines for the industry to work towards.


Ray Horwood, chief executive of the NFRC, said: "Green roofs perform a vital role in helping cities adapt to the effects of climate change. However, green roofs can only provide these environmental benefits if designed and installed in a way that ensures that minimum performance criteria are met. This code therefore highlights the important green roof design, installation and maintenance considerations and provides guidelines as to how they can be accommodated in the final green roof scheme."
Initially focused on the London market, the new GRO Code is more relevant throughout the UK, providing guidelines for green roof substrates, their installation and primary waterproofing methods and solutions.


Simon Poe, business operations director at Alumasc Roofing and a member of the GRO Advisory Technical Group 2013, said: "The new edition of the Code demonstrates the industry’s desire to further enhance the quality of green roofs in the UK. The Code informs the decisions of professionals that specify, manufacture, install or maintain green roofs through broader and more detailed guidance. In future, the Code will underpin further enhancements; leading towards an ultimate ambition of prescribing acceptable ranges of performance for components on a quantitative basis."


The new GRO Code also aims to reflect the increasing shift by local councils in the UK to see green roof technologies repalcing less green roofing products by being designed into new developments. The code retains a heavy influence from the London market, where green roofs are seen as a solution to Londoner’s need for more green spaces and having gained the support of the London Mayor Boris Johnson who said: "I’d like to commend [GRO’s] commitment to keeping the code updated and relevant. It’s important that the industry and the market be seen to be driving quality and standards."


To view a free copy of the updated GRO Code, visit www.nfrc.co.uk