2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Green roofs are often used on buildings to manage stormwater and create green spaces. A neglected green roof on the School of Engineering building was used as a service learning opportunity and to build community. This student-led green roof rehabilitation effort over the last 2 years has included plant selection, weeding, and planting on the roof. Plants were evaluated each year for growth and drought tolerance, and a survey was given to student volunteers to evaluate the experience. During Year 1, three plots were planted with thyme, stone crop, and a sedum mix to determine which plants did best. All of the thyme died, and the sedum mix partially died off in the middle. The stone crop survived and grew. Based on the results from Year 1, the thyme plot was replanted with stone crop during Year 2. Additional stone crop and sedum mix was also planted in a different area of the green roof to evaluate location on survival and growth rates. Students thought working on the green roof was enjoyable, it was rewarding to make the green roof look better, they enjoyed working with all grade levels and majors, and it increased their sense of community in the School of Engineering. Most students also indicated they just wanted to help and were not working on the green roof just for extra credit or service credits. This neglected, often missed green roof was used as a learning opportunity, with the added benefit of building community and a sense of service for the students.