Jennifer Benning, Ph.D., an associate
professor of civil and environmental engineering at Mines, and Ph.D. graduate student Jason
Phillips pose in front of sedum plants on the roof of the main terminal at the
Rapid City Regional Airport.
Visitors to the Rapid City Regional
Airport can now take-in a new green roof project as part of their
experience. The rooftop deck that extends over part of the main terminal
includes a green roof project recently installed by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
graduate student Jason Phillips. Part of this rooftop area is planted in sedums,
small flowering plants that require little maintenance and that do well in the
regional climate. Phillips’ work shows off the advantages of using technology to
monitor and maintain these green rooftops.
Phillips, who is working toward his
Ph.D. in civil/environmental engineering, says “This is old technology, this
has been going on for a long time around the world. I am just an advocate of
bringing this sustainable technology here.” Green roofs have been around for
centuries; they offer excellent insulation, keeping buildings cool in the
summer and warm in the winter. Phillips’ project has a high-tech twist, the
soil moisture beneath the sedum plants is being monitored by a set of sensors
that allow automatic watering as needed.
These roofs also provide an
excellent sound barrier which keeps buildings separated from outside noise.
Green roofs are highly durable and stand up to weather events like large hail
better than conventional roofing; and at a minimum, double the life expectancy
of the waterproof roofing membrane. Green roofs can serve as an efficient and
important way to regulate runoff from urban areas. Water that falls on these
roofs is absorbed by the engineered soil and is used by the plants which
reduces the amount of runoff flowing into neighboring waterways.
This practice can enhance quality
of life in urban areas and increase habitat for local wildlife and birds. Sedum
covered roofs also combine well with solar panels, as the plants do not heat up
as much as a conventional roof. This
helps keep the solar panels cooler in direct sunlight which can extend their
operating life and improve their overall efficiency.
The Airport has a mutual interest
with SD Mines in promoting scientific research to support issues that affect
public health, safety and welfare.
“Working with the school provides a great benefit to our facility as
well as an opportunity for our passengers to enjoy our patio,” stated Patrick
Dame, Airport Executive Director. “This
project is an example of our commitment to our goals of protecting the
environment and inspiring innovation that improves the customer
experience. We are excited about our
partnership in this project and are looking forward to seeing its results.”
This project was funded in part
through a grant from the West Dakota Water Development District (WDWDD). Their mission is to support entities that
furnish financial, educational or other aid necessary to any project within the
District that encourages: better
utilization of our water resources through water conservation; proper water
management; and evaluation and protection of our water quality, putting water
to beneficial use for domestic, municipal, industrial and irrigation as well as
recreational purposes.
The media is invited to a press
availability to view the newly installed roof at the Rapid City Regional
Airport at 10 a.m. on Oct. 17. Reporters
are asked to gather on the second floor of the Main Terminal.