Conservation Design Forum, Inc.   David Yocca  Senior Partner, Conservation Design Forum  375 West First Street  Elmhurst, IL 60126  Tel: 630-559-2002  Fax: 630-559-2013  dyocca@cdfinc.com    Rooftops are vastly underutilized spaces in the urban environment, yet  it is possible for any landscape, plaza, or garden to be installed on a  building or structure. In Europe, over the past thirty years, rooftops  have become the focus of a quiet but steady revolution through the  application of green roof technologies. It is significant that properly  designed green roofs can emulate natural processes. Even the thinnest  green roof can effectively absorb most rainfall events, reverse the  urban heat island effect, and provide wildlife habitat. They also  insulate buildings, extend the life of the roof membrane, increase  property values, and vastly improve urban aesthetics. While Europeans  have been enjoying these benefits for years, Americans are just  beginning to embrace them. Green roof t...