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This study assesses the relative influence of four independent variables on green roof hydrological performance under rainstorm conditions. Twenty-four extensive green roofs representing all combinations of the following four design factors were used: native meadow species versus Sedum; mineral-based versus biologically derived planting medium; 10-cm versus 15-cm depth; and irrigation provided daily, sensor controlled, or not at all. From events covering the period May-October in 2013 and 2014, mean values were determined for the seasonal volumetric runoff coefficient (C vol ¼ 0.4), peak runoff coefficient (C peak ¼ 0.12), and U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) curve number (CN ¼ 94). Irrigation had the largest overall impact: daily irrigation increased C vol to 0.5 compared to 0.3 for systems with sensor-controlled or no irrigation. The biologically derived planting medium, composed of a high proportion of aged wood compost, made a significant improvement, maintaining C vol of 0.3 compared to 0.4 for the mineral-based product in the modules without irrigation. A similar pattern was found in the NRCS curve numbers.

This perspective documents current thinking around climate actions in Canada by synthesizing scholarly proposals made by Sustainable Canada Dialogues (SCD), an informal network of scholars from all 10 provinces, and by reviewing responses from civil society representatives to the scholars’ proposals. Motivated by Canada’s recent history of repeatedly missing its emissions reduction targets and failing to produce a coherent plan to address climate change, SCD mobilized more than 60 scholars to identify possible pathways towards a low-carbon economy and sustainable society and invited civil society to comment on the proposed solutions. This perspective illustrates a range of Canadian ideas coming from many sectors of society and a wealth of existing inspiring initiatives. Solutions discussed include climate change governance, low-carbon transition, energy production, and consumption. This process of knowledge synthesis/creation is novel and important because it provides a working model for making connections across academic fields as well as between academia and civil society. The process produces a holistic set of insights and recommendations for climate change actions and a unique model of engagement. The different voices reported here enrich the scope of possible solutions, showing that Canada is brimming with ideas, possibilities, and the will to act.