C&S installs green roof, implements sustainability initiatives
The C&S Companies recently installed a green roof on the company headquarters’ front entrance vestibule in Syracuse. The existing roof was in need of repairs and had issues with water leakage. Instead of simply replacing the traditional roof, the firm decided to install a green roof instead. Ron Peckham, P.E., president of C&S commented that, “The green roof represents both C&S’s commitment to sustainability and an opportunity for our staff to learn more about evolving green technologies. This installation helps us demonstrate the value of sustainable practices to our employees, our clients, and our community.”
The green roof was made possible in part with time and materials support from Dave Dietz of Apple Roofing Corp. and Dan Cannan of Carlisle Construction Material. Layered on top of the traditional tapered insulation and EPDM waterproofing membrane, the components of the green roof include a composite drainage/retention mat, 3-4 inches of lightweight engineered growth media, and six different types of sedum, a hardy, low-growing perennial. The roof material and plants are designed to thrive even in the harsh winters of upstate New York. The green roof is one of the first components of C&S’s new sustainable landscape master plan, which also includes a one-mile permeable pavement walking trail system, low-maintenance native plantings, and conversion of lawn to low-mow meadow areas. 
Another ongoing initiative is removal of invasive species from the on-site stormwater pond and re-planting with native species. On Arbor Day (April 30), the firm celebrated with a ceremonial tree planting of a native red maple tree that was locally grown in Manlius.
An additional sustainable effort that C&S recently completed involves mechanical equipment that supplies the building with ventilation. The firm replaced an aging traditional makeup air unit with an energy recovery unit equipped with a total energy wheel. The new unit recovers energy from exhaust air year-round, reducing the heating and cooling demand placed on the building’s HVAC system. The new unit has been integrated into the existing direct digital control system in the building, taking advantage of demand-controlled ventilation and other energy conservation control strategies. While the energy recovery unit represented a larger initial capital cost, it will pay for itself through energy savings in approximately six years.