This growing digital resource is designed to support anyone working on green roofs or green infrastructure projects.
BOSTON, November 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Developed by the Boston Society for Architecture's (BSA) Green Roof Infrastructure Team (GRIT) knowledge community. Green Roofs and Infrastructure Resource Guide highlights the far-reaching benefits these systems bring to individual users, project sites and surrounding communities, while providing practical tools for planning and design. The handbook supports GRIT's mission to highlight the role of green roofs, green wall systems and other green infrastructure in mitigating climate change.
The first edition, released in November of this year, features nine case studies from across the Boston region and presents a variety of project types, goals and lessons learned. Current examples are:
Saugus Middle School
Bristol County Agricultural High School
Boston Medical Center Newmarket
St. Henry's Farm
Josiah Quincy High School
MIT's Hayden Library courtyard
Northeast EXP building
New England Ave
Harvard University Science and Engineering Complex
As new projects and technologies emerge, the handbook will continue to expand as a living document and is currently available online: https://knocos.architects.org/green-roof-and-infrastructure-resource-handbook
The manual consists of three core components:
- Case studies: Real-world examples of green roofs and green infrastructure projects in the Greater Boston area, highlighting design intent, challenges, and key lessons learned.
- Politics and Regulation: Regional and national initiatives that illustrate how communities are driving and incentivizing this work.
- Technical resources: More detailed guidance for those seeking a comprehensive look at research, design, installation practices and long-term maintenance.
While each project aims to meet specific user needs, green roofs and green infrastructure often generate benefits that extend well beyond the property line. These systems can help mitigate the effects of heat islands, improve energy performance, reduce noise, manage stormwater, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality, promote health and well-being, create new educational and agricultural opportunities, and provide inviting, green living spaces.
GRIT continues to organize public programs, promote collaboration and advocate for policies that promote greener and more resilient cities. This new handbook is intended to serve as a valuable resource for designers, policymakers, property owners, educators and community members alike.
The handbook and information about the work behind its creation can be found at https://knocos.architects.org/green-roof-and-infrastructure-resource-handbook.
ABOUT THE GREEN ROOF AND INFRASTRUCTURE TEAM
The Green Roof and Infrastructure Team (GRIT) is a knowledge community at BSA whose mission is to promote understanding of the importance and value of green roofs, green wall systems and other green infrastructure in mitigating climate change. The group deals with current examples and implementation options as well as the associated challenges and potential. GRIT is committed to supporting education, policies and regulations that positively impact green roofs and green infrastructure in general.
To learn more about BSA's knowledge communities, visit https://knocos.architects.org
ABOUT THE BOSTON SOCIETY FOR ARCHITECTURE
The Boston Society for Architecture (BSA) focuses on improving the quality of life for residents of the Boston region by championing innovation in the built environment with a particular emphasis on sustainability and social justice. We achieve this by connecting our diverse and passionate network of over 4,500 architects, firms and allied members through shared initiatives that create solutions for a more equitable and sustainable future. We expand and deepen these efforts philanthropically through donations and practical work in our community. The BSA is one of the oldest and largest chapters of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). For more information about the BSA and the BSA Foundation, visit architects.org.
SOURCE Boston Society for Architecture
