Michael Bauer Published in Construction Briefings
"Potential Legal Implications of 'Green' Roofs"

Washington, D.C. office Construction practice associate Michael Bauer's article, “Potential Legal Implications of 'Green' Roofs," was published in the January edition of Construction Briefings. In the article, Michael discusses numerous legal issues raised by adoption of green-designed and/or retrofitted rooftops of commercial buildings, as the desire for more environmentally designed spaces to aid in offsetting urban carbon levels has become increasingly popular.

Michael examines the pros and cons of both white and vegetative roof designs, including reduction of green house gases, building code compliance, zoning restrictions and longer roof life, among others, and he offers advice on how parties may protect their legal interests before potential litigation could ensue. Michael concludes by stressing the importance of "being cognizant of potential legal hurdles relating to these roofing systems," and doing so, "will help the green roofing industry to continue the spread of this technology without cumbersome issues that might impact its long-term success."