Zinco Green Roofing

With Jordan Hofstra

Welcome to Episode 6 of Rewind Design Season 2! If you are brand new to this podcast, welcome! My name is Katy McNabb and I am a registered Interior Designer working in Ontario’s Cottage Country. I am on a mission to share sustainable ways of building, promote green energy and document the history of the cottage country.

In this week’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Hofstra from Zinco Canada, a Green Roofing Company

Here is a quick summary of Zinco from their website:

For over 50 years, ZinCo has been committed to incorporating nature back into the urban landscape through the manufacturing and supply of the most advanced green roofs available. Green roofs that will work to offset the environmental impact of building structures, cool micro-climates by up to two degrees, capture and manage storm water and alleviate noise pollution for decades to come.

IN THIS WEEK’S EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

Green rooving systems in Cottage Country, will they withstand the elements?
What type of planting do you use for green rooves?
What makes a green roof so sustainable?
What is a sedum plant?

LISTEN TO OUR EXCITING INTERVIEW BELOW!

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Can you talk about how the 3 of you started the company and your passions for sustainability?

Jeremy, Stephen, and I were all drawn to the environmentally friendly green roof technology as it was a fascinating sector of green infrastructure on the rise in the face of climate change and sustainable development. In 2016, we decided to install our first green roof in Puslinch, Ontario marking the beginning of our journey. Inspired by the prospect of turning our passions into future careers, each of us went forth to pursue a master’s degree in green roof-related areas. With this newfound knowledge the three of us reunited under ZinCo Canada Inc. in 2021 after Jeremy and Stephen bought the company, realizing our vision through the globally distributed green roof technology.

Where did you all go to school and what really drives your passions for this company?

Jeremy, Stephen, and I all completed different undergraduate degrees at the University of Guelph. Jeremy attained his Bachelor of Management Economics and Finance; Stephen completed a Commerce degree in Organizational Management, and I underwent a Bachelor of Plant Science. Afterwards we went on to complete master’s degrees in various green-roof related subjects. Jeremy, studying environmental science at Ryerson University, Stephen achieving a degree in sustainability management, while I completed my thesis in molecular and cellular biology. ZinCo Canada is driven by our passion for sustainable development and leaving the world in a better place for future generations.

What is the main type of work that you do with green roofing - who is your main clientele?

The green roof industry varies greatly from small residential projects to large commercial buildings which all require different green roof systems. Our main clientele are typically developers, architects, landscape architects, and homeowners who want to implement a ZinCo green roof system into their project, whether it is a new build or a retrofit.

What is the main purpose of green roofing - and how is it beneficial in a residential application?

There are numerous purposes to green roofing. Mainly to introduce biologicals and pollinators back into urbanized areas, provide stormwater management through maximized water retention, reducing energy costs and city temperatures, along with creating an aesthetically pleasing view for the users. All these purposes are beneficial in a residential application as green roofs strive to innovate with nature to provide a unique architectural design whilst complementing sustainable development through the ecological environment. Residential and commercial green roofs can also be interactive through a rooftop farm, creating a space for those in highly urbanized areas to harvest crops locally.

How do green roofs positively affect the environment?

Green roofs provide various environmental benefits. As stated previously, green roof systems increase water retention which helps manage stormwater in the face of a large precipitation event. On a large scale as more green roofs are implemented; they will contribute to the decrease of stormwater sewer overflows in largely urbanized areas. From an ecological standpoint, as green roof vegetation expands to larger perennial plants and tree species, they will increasingly sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere whilst also providing habitat for local pollinator species.

What kind of projects have you worked on in Cottage Country - and how do you manage the logistics of getting up here?

In Northern Cottage Country we mainly work on private residential projects. From simple extensive sedum roofs to perennial rooftop gardens, we are constantly modifying our ZinCo systems to best meet the needs of our clients whilst working within the ecological range of the ecosystem. Regarding implementation of the green roof, we ship the materials from our warehouse just north of Hamilton and try to use local labourers to install the green roof. If that is unattainable, we recommend one of our trusted green roof installers that are usually located in the Toronto area.

How exactly does your system work in a cottage specific application with exposed environments and 4 crazy seasons?

The green roof system works the same in northern Ontario as it does in southern Ontario. When the weather gets cold, the plants go dormant for the winter season and liven back up in the spring when the snow melts.

What types of greenery do you use, and does it depend on the environment or the area and the local species?

We use a wide variety of vegetation that varies depending on the green roof system and environment. We strive to use species that are native to the area, when possible, mostly native perennials and grasses.

Where do you initially grow all the greenery?

The green roof vegetation we supply is produced through a personal grower and we also contract grow our vegetation when needed. Typically, we strive to grow and supply native perennial species.

What is a "built in place" green roof?

The ZinCo built-in-place green roof system is unlike other green roof systems. The green roof build-ups are modified depending on the type of system, and the individual components are shipped to site and assembled directly on the roof.

Why would you recommend a green roof over other types of roofs?

I would highly recommend a green roof over other common types of roofs as they add character to the design of the build whilst, reducing energy costs and interacting with the local ecosystem.

What else can we do in a building environment to help our carbon footprint?

In addition to green roofs, implementing solar energy to your home is a great way to help reduce your individual carbon footprint. By utilizing the readily available solar energy to generate electricity, it increases sustainability and promotes the use of renewable energy resources.

Can you add a green roof to an existing building?

You can add a green roof to an existing building through a retrofit. Depending on the structural integrity and nature of the initial building, we can customize the green roof to the roof design and the clients needs.

Do you work with any other green organizations?

We strive to promote green infrastructure and have worked with Spruce Labs’ Miziwe Biik Earth Tending Program to relay the benefits of green roofs amongst urbanization but would love to get more involved in the future.

Season 2 is generously funded by the Georgian Bay Land Trust