The United States Postal Service (USPS) employs a large fleet of alternative-fuel capable vehicles, is testing three-wheel electric vehicles in select markets, has received LEED certification for a Denver facility, and is focusing on reducing its energy usage. These are just a few of the sustainability-minded features of the USPS and now they can add “largest green roof in NYC” to the list.

 

The roof at the Morgan Processing and Distribution Center (P&DC) in New York City encompasses 109,000 square feet, making it the largest in the city and one of the largest in the nation.

 

 

“The Green Roof at the Morgan P&DC is much more than a pretty space — it will last 50 years, twice as long as the roof it replaced, and it will reduce the amount of polluted storm water runoff into the New York municipal water system by as much as 75 percent in summer and 40 percent in winter. The Green Roof is more energy efficient than a traditional roof, and is projected to save the Postal Service $30,000 yearly on heating and cooling costs.” Source: USPS

 

The previous roof needed to be replaced. The timing was perfect and the USPS decided to create a longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly green roof. During the construction process, approximately 90 percent of the original roof was recycled and reused, cutting down on products in the local landfill.

 

The roof uses native vegetation, 14 benches and an FSC sustainable wood art wall. The facility is undergoing the LEED-certification process.