With the growing problem of stormwater runoff, many municipalities, companies and homeowners are searching for new, green solutions. That is exactly what motivated Onandaga County, NY to review some of its municipal structures for potential green roof development.

Under the direction of CH2M Hill (Philadelphia & Syracuse office) and Roofmeadow (Philadelphia), Grey Fox Consulting provided the engineering analysis required to assess the viablity of this option on several public buildings throughout the county, including Syracuse, NY. One of the centerpieces of the program was the OnCenter Complex -- a convention, arena and entertainment structure that now showcases one of the Northeast's largest green roofs.

The 60,000 SF roof structure over the main convention center was constructed of heavy gage metal deck and rolled wide flange beams, supported by custom-designed and fabricated trusses spanning a clear distance of 160 feet. The trusses are composed of high strength, heavy wide flange steel. This roof composition made it possible to support the additional load imposed by the new green roof.