Green Roofs in Vancouver: Alive and Eco Friendly

Westin Wall Centre

The Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport starts off our list of green roofs in Vancouver. In addition to a green roof, the hotel has a living wall with thousands of plants. Going green is key at the Westin Wall Centre—from recycling cartons to energy-efficient lights in the guest rooms, you have the opportunity to actively promote sustainability. Have an old cell phone or computer you've been hoping to recycle? Bring it with you to the Westin Wall Centre. The hotel also uses local products in its restaurant and composts when possible.

Vancouver Convention Centre

One of the best green roofs in Vancouver can be found at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The building has a green roof that's approximately six acres. The environmentally friendly aspects of the Vancouver Convention Centre don't stop with the roof. The Vancouver Convention Centre prides itself on its recycling and the use of local products in its kitchen. Furthermore, the Vancouver Convention Centre reaches out to people hosting events at the venue, providing them with ways to make their events environmentally friendly.

Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium promotes conservation of animals and also practices sustainability in its grounds. Vancouver Aquarium has a green roof as well and a living wall. The living wall is approximately 500 square feet, and the project won the Award of Excellent for "Green Wall Design" back in 2008. Head to the Vancouver Aquarium's living wall to learn what it does and why it's important.

Vancouver Library Square

The Vancouver Public Library isn't your typical library. The Vancouver Library Square resembles the Coliseum and has one of the best green roofs in Vancouver. Another environmental—not to mention aesthetic—aspect of this space is the large amount of glass. Because of the windows and skylights, a lot of natural light enters the building. Visiting the Vancouver Library Square is a great way to spend an afternoon in the city. You can take some work to one of the study spaces in the library, have a bite to eat at a restaurant, or peruse some shops.

Southeast False Creek/Olympic Village

Last on our list of green roofs in Vancouver is Southeast False Creek/Olympic Village. You may remember Olympic Village as the lodging place for 2010 competitors. Also known as Southeast False Creek, the space is now designed as a sustainable living community for residents of different socioeconomic statuses. Southeast False Creek has green roofs and features sustainable ways of using rainwater. Residents will have the chance to grow their own vegetables while living in the city. Further development will occur in the coming years; by 2020, over 10,000 people will live in Southeast False Creek.