Instead of the gravel normally found on a flat commercial roof, the new green roof will have engineered soil and shallow rooted perennial plants. The soil and plants hold rain water and slowly release it over time, reducing the total storm water runoff from the building. It also reduces erosion and improves water quality. The technology will extend the life of the roof to 40 to 50 years by protecting it from ultraviolet radiation. It will also simplify temperature management inside the facility.
In a couple of years, the roof will be filled with a thick carpet of green plants and flowers, similar to the SMSC’s first green roof project, the 30,000-square-foot green roof on top of the SMSC water reclamation facility, built in 2006. The new green roof will be the largest in the upper Midwest.
The new ice arena contains several other features in addition to the green roof. A compressor system and heat exchanger will take the waste heat from the ice-making equipment and redirect it through the bleachers to heat the concrete to make the seating area more comfortable for fans.