In 2010, Allegheny County installed a green roof on half of the County Office Building (8,400 square feet).  The goal was to create an educational model to demonstrate the benefits of green roofs and green roof technology.  The $621,000 roof, paid with federal stimulus funds, increases building insulation – saving on heating and cooling costs – and absorbs rainwater.  It contains an extensive monitoring system that records inside and outside temperatures, humidity, and water retention.  The data will be used to compare cooling and heating costs on the planted versus unplanted sections of the roof.  Janie French, Director of Green Infrastructure Programs, served as a technical advisor to the county for the green roof.    For more information, visit: www.alleghenycounty.us/alleghenygreen/COBroof.aspx