Mapping Vancouver (& BC)’s Green Roofs, Potential Retrofits, Trees and Gardens

GRIN launchES a ground-breaking project to bring climate action and resilience to communities across BC.

The roofscape occupies 30% of most urban areas. Green roofs are low-hanging fruit for climate resilience. With forest fires already forcing evacuations, we’re reminded that we’re in a climate emergency. The window for action is here and now.

What is unique — and efficient — about the project is the tool we are using: Gentian software applies AI, computer vision, and high-resolution remote sensing for rapid ecological surveys. Established in 2020 with funding from the European Space Agency, this will be the first North American city and region mapped by Gentian.

Using current and high resolution maps, GRIN will identify strategic opportunities where green roofs and green infrastructure (GR & GI) can combat urban heat, flooding, drought, fire risk and other public health vulnerabilities in BC communities. 

See how Namba Park helps to reduce the Urban Heat Island in Tokyo.

The first step is good data: Starting with 15 km² in City of Vancouver, and eventually expanding to other communities across the province, this project will identify:

• existing green roofs;
• potential green roofs (retrofit);
• tree count; 
• private gardens.

Your donation, via our partner, Small Change Fund, will give this work a solid foundation to grow, both in Vancouver and beyond. A contribution of $10 or more will receive a tax receipt. While the surveys are quick and cost-effective, funding is still required to pay for:

• proprietary satellite imagery; 
• engineers train the machine learning;
• generating and interpreting the data; 
• translating data into action: ensuring the results get to the right people in the right places (municipal planners and other stakeholders).

Please join us! Together, we can speed up the implementation of effective climate resiliency measures in BC, while protecting biodiversity and water. 

Visit our crowdfunding page for more information and please donate now. Please share this project with your networks! To nominate your community to be mapped, get in touch via email or in the comments below.