URBAN ROOFTOPS 101

45 donors supported the “Up on the Roof” fund and events.

8,000 pounds of produce is the expected yield for 2018, grown in 10,000 square feet using spray-free ecological methods.

Beyond growing local, organic food, as a green roof, RUF also mitigates storm water runoff, cools the building in summer, insulates it in winter and increases urban biodiversity.

Academic researchers have used RUF to study such topics as irrigation, earthworm populations, nutrient runoff, community engagement and wireless soil sensors.

$1,800 of rooftop-grown produce was donated to the Good Food Centre in 2018, where members of the Ryerson community can access emergency food relief.

50+ crops are grown at RUF, including beans, peas, tomatoes, eggplant, pepper, cucumber, zucchini, carrots, beets, leafy greens, salad mixes, and much more.

35 kilograms of honey was collected in 2017 from two beehives (in partnership with local beekeepers Alvéole).

Winter 2019 / Ryerson University Magazine 11