Ecoroof Incentives

Incentives for ecoroof construction
in the City of Portland

The next application cycle of ecoroof incentives will take place in fall 2010.

Ecoroofs Manage Stormwater

Ecoroofs are lightweight, vegetated roof systems that replace conventional roofs with a layer of foliage over a growing medium on top of a waterproof membrane. They are an important part of Portland's efforts to manage stormwater with facilities that work like natural systems. Ecoroofs are an approved stormwater management technique under Portland's Stormwater Management Manual. 

Ecoroof Incentive

The City of Portland offers an incentive to property owners and developers to add more ecoroofs. The next cycle of incentive applications begins in fall 2010.

The incentive program is part of Portland's Grey to Green initiative to increase sustainable stormwater management practices, control non-native, invasive plants, and protect sensitive natural areas.

The incentive funds up to $5 per square foot of an ecoroof project. Installation costs for ecoroofs in Portland range from $5 to $20 per square foot.

Incentive Requirements

• The project is within the Portland city limits.
• The project manages stormwater.
• The project has a designated project manager.
• Construction will start within two years of being approved for an incentive.
• Funding can be secured within two years.
• The project is feasible and buildable.
• The project must agree with and satisfy the city’s contract agreement requirements to receive funding.
• Projects that receive the FAR bonus are eligible for ecoroof incentives.

Ecoroof Benefits

Environmental Benefits

• Manage stormwater
• Increase wildlife habitat
• Filter pollutants
• Reduce the urban heat island effect
• Improve air quality
• Save energy
• Buffer noise

Economic Benefits

• Can double the lifespan of the roof
• May be eligible for a sewer rate discount
• Can lower heating and cooling costs

Social Benefits

• Improve community livability
• Create greenspaces
• Provide educational opportunities
• Connect the community with the natural environment

Evaluation Criteria

• Cost of ecoroof
• Total square footage of ecoroof
• Ratio of ecoroof area to total roof area
• Sustainability
• Innovation and replicability
• Ecoroof components (e.g., soil specifications, membrane, plants, structural integrity of the building)

Review Process

• A committee reviews applications twice a year. 

For More Information

Contact Alice Meyers at 503-823-7914.