The new EuroMotorcars dealership and service facility at 7020 Arlington Road in Bethesda has improved the aesthetics of that block at street level. But the roof of the structure is one of an increasing number in Montgomery County that are meant to also improve the environment. In recent days, workers have been installing the components of a green roof. You can see the progress between Tuesday (top photo) and Friday (photo below).
Photos by RFS
Thanks for posting this! The Bethesda Sector Plan requires that all new projects within the plan area include 35% of the site as a pervious area. A big project like this, with lots of surface parking, really needed to include the pervious area on the roof to comply. Almost all new projects in downtown Bethesda include green roofs, and the DC metro area currently has more green roofs than any metro area in the US, and perhaps even the world.
ReplyDeleteGreen roofs are a great way to insulate a building to reduce energy consumption, to reduce the heat island effect in urban areas, and to provide a food source for birds, bees, and other helpful insects. They also greatly improve the rooftop views from other taller nearby buildings.
A few Saturdays ago I found myself driving in the midst of shiny new looking big rigs early one AM as I was heading to Bethesda. The were carrying green roofing material and trees so maybe this is where they were heading.
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