ASLA SELECTS RAIN BIRD XERIGATION® SYSTEM
FOR HEADQUARTERS' GREEN ROOF IRRIGATION
GLENDORA, Calif. (May 19, 2006) – Rain
Bird announced that it has been selected by the American
Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) to provide a landscape
drip irrigation system using its Xerigation products in the
green roof recently constructed on top of the ASLA’s
headquarters in downtown Washington, D.C.
A consistent trend in European architecture since the 1950s,
green roofs emerged in modern American architectural plans
beginning in the late 1990s. A green roof, or “eco-roof,” is
a vegetative system that can be placed over new or existing
roof structures. It is a layered system generally consisting
of a high-quality, waterproof membrane, a root repellant
layer, drainage and filter appurtenances, a specialized soil
mix and plantings. Benefits of green roofs include not only
improved exterior air quality and temperature regulation,
but also reduced building heating and cooling costs, sound
insulation and storm water retention.
ASLA selected Rain Bird’s Xerigation system for its
ability to efficiently deliver water directly to plant roots,
as well as for its reliability and durability. This precise
application method minimizes the amount of water carried
away by wind and reduces evaporation – a concern given
the roof’s exposure to sunlight, reflected heat and
windy, urban conditions. Another benefit to using drip irrigation
is that it can deliver the water at a slow rate to allow
the green roof’s lightweight, porous soil to better
retain the water.
Two drip control zones will be installed, each using a Xerigation
Control Zone Kit and Landscape Dripline. A Dripline with
0.6 gallons-per-hour emitters spaced 12 inches apart was
chosen to be placed in the deeper soils of the intensive
portion of the ASLA’s green roof. Rain Bird will also
use its ESP-LXi+ Controller and Rain Sensor to ensure that
the irrigation system is efficiently controlled.
“
Rain Bird is honored to be a part of this exciting project
with the ASLA and looks forward to helping sustain this green
roof with the use of our Xerigation products,” said
Rick Wagner, Rain Bird’s Xerigation Development Manager. “As
green roofs become more prevalent for their environmental
and economic benefits, the need for consistent, efficient
irrigation will become increasingly important. We look forward
to being a part of this ecologically valuable movement.”
ABOUT ASLA
Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association
for landscape architects, representing more than 16,500
members in 48 professional chapters and 68 student chapters.
Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of
land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation,
and rehabilitation. ASLA promotes the landscape architecture
profession and advances the practice through advocacy,
education, communication, and fellowship. Members of the
Society use their “ASLA” suffix after their
names to denote membership and their commitment to the
highest ethical standards of the profession. Learn more
about landscape architecture online at www.asla.org.
ABOUT RAIN BIRD
CORPORATION
Based in Glendora, CA, Rain Bird Corporation is the leading
manufacturer and provider of irrigation products and services.
Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has offered the industry’s
broadest range of irrigation products for farms, golf courses,
sports arenas, commercial developments and homes in more
than 130 countries around the world. Rain Bird has been awarded
more than 130 patents, including the first in 1935 for the
impact sprinkler. Rain Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water™ is
about using water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products
to education, training and services for the industry and
the community. Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing
assembly facilities in the United States, France, Sweden
and Mexico. www.rainbird.com
A consistent trend in European architecture since the 1950s,
green roofs emerged in modern American architectural plans
beginning in the late 1990s. A green roof, or “eco-roof,” is
a vegetative system that can be placed over new or existing
roof structures. It is a layered system generally consisting
of a high-quality, waterproof membrane, a root repellant
layer, drainage and filter appurtenances, a specialized soil
mix and plantings. Benefits of green roofs include not only
improved exterior air quality and temperature regulation,
but also reduced building heating and cooling costs, sound
insulation and storm water retention.