CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center Green Roof

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Experience Serenity: AHWC's Green Roof

Welcome to The Green Roof at the CU Anschutz Health and Wellness Center!

The Green Roof at AHWC is an integral part of the campus environment, featuring a vibrant rooftop garden and a welcoming patio that offers sweeping views of the Front Range and breathtaking sunsets.

Managed by , The Green Roof at AHWC not only enhances the aesthetics of our campus but also serves as a versatile venue and food production space. Green Roofs of �鶹��ý�� was the initial installer of the gardens in 2012. Green roof expert and owner, Andy Creath and gardeners Brian Adams and Eliana Dzhikova bring an array of fresh ideas for the space, along with an intensive planting approach and organic practices to maximize our food production.

The Green Roof at AHWC also hosts a variety of special events, including rooftop yoga sessions and fitness gatherings, campus meetings, well-being retreats, and several other occasions, fostering wellness in a one-of-a-kind location. Come join us and experience a new level of wellness in our serene oasis.

Stay in touch! Sign up for our interest group using the form at the bottom of this page.

2024 Initatives

AHWC Green Roof Gardening Series: Tomato, tomahto...

Tuesday, June 17th, 12-12:50pm

$5 deposit required (limit 15 people)

In this short and engaging class, you'll learn the essentials of growing and maintaining healthy tomato plants, whether you're a first-time gardener or looking to improve your harvest. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right tomato variety and planting techniques to watering, pruning, and pest control. Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring any food or drink you need for yourself.

Previous Classes (2024):

June: Transplanting Seedlings
July: Embracing Native Lawns
August: Succulent Workshop
September: Walking Tour of the CU Campus Vegetable Garden

2025:

May: Clone Your Own Plant

Urban Agriculture:

The improved plantings and management of The Green Roof Vegetable Garden will provide fresh produce for groups on campus such as the Community Nutrition Programs, , , and . Thanks to the team at for providing extensive planting and maintenance of this exciting garden initiative.

Our current plantings include:

Indeterminate Tomatoes (slicer & cherry)
English Cucumbers
Summer Squash
Pattypan Squash
Sweet Peppers
Herbs: Basil, Rosemary, Oregano, Chives, Sage
and more to come!

We are excited to announce The Green Roof at AWHC Image Gallery.

Did you visit The Green Roof at AHWC and snap a pic of some flowers in bloom, birds on the feeder or butterflies in the milkweed? Send us any photos that you'd like to show off in our image gallery. Simply email kristy.truesdale@cuanschutz.edu to contribute.

Check out the gallery below this box!

In an effort to enhance and expand its commitment to sustainability, the campus is teaming up with .

This collaboration aims to implement innovative waste management solutions, promote organic composting, and integrate eco-friendly practices.

Green Roof Image Gallery

The Positive Impact of Green Roofs

CU AHWC Featured Here: The Healing Power of Green: Green Roofs and Vegetable Gardens Transform Medical Campuses in �鶹��ý�� (September 2024): In recent years, medical campuses across the United States have embraced a transformative trend that integrates green roofs and vegetable gardens into their facilities. This innovative approach blends sustainability with health promotion and community engagement, turning often sterile hospital environments into vibrant, living spaces that benefit patients, staff, and the surrounding community.

Excerpt by The Denver Botanic Gardens about the benefits of green roofs (November 13th, 2023): One of the most significant advantages of green roofs is their positive environmental impact. They act as natural insulators, reducing the energy consumption of buildings by moderating indoor temperatures. By absorbing carbon dioxide and filtering the air, vegetation on green roofs contributes to improved air quality and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. They also mitigate the urban heat-island effect, lowering ambient temperatures in densely populated areas. This is particularly important in a city like Denver, where average temperatures are up to five degrees warmer than surrounding rural and suburban areas.

Learn more about The Green Buildings Ordinance passed in Denver in 2018 (CU Denver News, July 28th, 2020): The Green Buildings Ordinance permits new buildings over 25,000 feet to choose from a series of nine green-energy options in these areas: green roofs/green space, solar/renewable energy, energy efficiency, green building certifications (third-party programs), payment to the Green Building Fund, and the Energy Program (for roof replacement).

Environmental:

Reduces urban heat island effect
Improves air quality by filtering pollutants
Promotes biodiversity by providing habitats for plants and wildlife

Energy:

Enhances building insulation, reducing heating and cooling costs
Lowers energy consumption due to improved thermal performance

Stormwater:

Absorbs rainwater, reducing runoff and lowering the risk of flooding
Improves water quality by filtering rainwater through the soil and vegetation

Aesthetic and Recreational:

Provides visually appealing green spaces in urban areas
Creates recreational areas for building occupants

Health and Well-being:

Enhances mental well-being by providing access to nature
Reduces noise pollution through sound insulation properties

Economic:

Increases property values
Extends the lifespan of roofing materials by protecting them from UV radiation and extreme temperatures

Climate Change Mitigation:

Sequesters carbon dioxide through plant photosynthesis
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with building energy use

Urban Agriculture:

Offers opportunities for urban farming and local food production

Vegetation Layer:

Includes a variety of native �鶹��ý�� plants and flowers

Growing Medium:

A lightweight soil mixture designed to support plant growth while being light enough to not overload the roof structure.

Drainage Layer:

Ensures proper water drainage to prevent waterlogging and damage to the roof structure.

Waterproofing Membrane:

Protects the underlying roof from water infiltration.

Root Barrier:

Prevents plant roots from penetrating the waterproofing membrane and damaging the roof.

Irrigation System:

Automated or manual systems to provide necessary water to the plants, especially in dry climates.

Insulation Layer:

Enhances the building's thermal performance by reducing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer.

Structural Support:

Reinforced roofing materials and design to support the additional weight of the green roof system.

Biodiversity Habitats:

Designed to attract and support local wildlife, including birds, bees, and other pollinators.

Rainwater Harvesting:

Systems to collect and reuse rainwater for irrigation, reducing the need for external water sources.

Reservations & Inquiries

Thank you for your interest in reserving The Green Roof at AHWC for your event. For events organized by a department on the CU Anschutz Campus, please submit all requests through . Reservation requests and space guidelines:

To book the green roof, you must reserve ALL relevant spaces: V08-3007 (Classroom), V08-3008 (The Benson Board Room), V08-3009 (Wellness Lounge) and The Green Roof in your reservation request. These spaces are tied together.
If food is served, please place a housekeeping request for after-meal trash pick up
Include a speedtype to charge the room fee and services
You are responsible to for reserving any furniture and trash cans that your group may need
You must leave the space clean and tidy as found, or a cleaning fee will apply
Any furniture that is moved must be returned to its original location
Any must follow campus protocols and approval process
Catering can be delivered. Please direct catering to arrive on the 3rd floor. They do not need an access code for the elevator. There is no access to a kitchen in this space.

For additional questions regarding The Green Roof at AHWC please contact:

Kristy Truesdale at kristy.truesdale@cuanschutz.edu or Valentina Dean at valentina.dean@cuanschutz.edu