On July 21st, 2009 at 1 p.m. A.D. Willis Roofing and Sheet Metal was onsite for loading of growth media at the residence of Casey Boyter.

Casey Boyter is the co-founder to local Austin group GRoWERS ("established to educate interested parties about green roofs and to work towards finding best management practices for Austin's green roofs").  

A.D. Willis is not only a leader in the commercial roofing industry in Texas, but they are also a leader in educating the commercial development industry in green technology, including green roof installation. 

The work performed at Casey Boyter's residence was a cooperative volunteer effort performed in order to further community awareness of green technology. When asked why Casey chose A.D. Willis to perform the work, Casey states, "A.D. Willis was clearly the most capable of immediately handling my needs. I called other roofing companies, but A.D. Willis was the most knowledgeable and they were able to accommodate the unique needs inherent in the installation of a green roof."  

The work today was performed on a building consisting of a 250 square foot studio in North-Central Austin. The soil depth and composition was designed at a 8-10” depth for high water holding capacity in order to retain moisture and ensure plant success for Austin's extreme weather conditions. Approximately thirteen-thousand pounds of soil medium was carefully moved from an eighteen-wheeler to the roof by way of a forklift brought onsite by A.D. Willis. Casey says the plants chosen for the green roof consist of a diverse mix of short prairie grasses, riparian plants species, and cascading drought tolerant perennials. All plants are native and/ or well adapted to the Austin area.

The incentives in the construction of green roofs are extensive. Casey was motivated by the her desire to bring awareness to the commercial and residential community about these incentives. She names the following as key elements to consider for those thinking of building a green roof:

• Reduction in utility costs.
• Cooling of the surrounding areas. Extending roof life through membrane protection from the sun.
• Habitat creation.
• Storm-water management (i.e. slowing the percolation of water during rain events). 

Casey's collaborative efforts include the amassed knowledge from her research and work with various companies and experienced individuals across the country, including soil engineers and plant specialists. She works extensively with Austin companies in order to further the creation and expansion of the green roofing industry locally.  

Casey Boyter established a landscape company to specialize in the design and implementation of green roofs. She has been an active part of the green roofing industry since 2005. Casey has traveled across the country to observe some of the nation's most established green roofs. 

A.D. Willis was proud to have participated in the efforts today. Charlie Glaze, production and marketing manager at A.D. Willis, says, "We share with Casey the appreciation of the incentives provided with green technology, specifically green roofs. We believe strongly in education and believe our efforts today will bring awareness to the benefits for the commercial and residential industry that exist with green roofs." 

A.D. Willis Roofing and Sheet Metal is available for installation of green roofs and can be reached at either their Austin or San Antonio office or by calling their toll free number: 1.800.841.6708.

Casey Boyter is available for consultation as well on landscaping needs and for direction with green roofing implementation. Her contact information follows: 

Casey Boyter - www.caseyboyter.com - (512) 461-8594.