Saskatchewan, Canada
About Us
Experience
Michael Molaro is an accredited Green Roof Professional (GRP 2013) and Principal of Higher Groundwork HortiCulture. In addition to fulfilling GRP training and examination, Michael has completed related courses including Advanced Green Roof Maintenance, Introduction to Rooftop Urban Agriculture, Integrated Water Management for Buildings and Sites, Green Infrastructure Projects, Performance and Policies and Green Infrastructure Valuation. Prior to his 26 years at the University of Saskatchewan he worked in architectural practices in Edmonton Alberta and Saskatoon.
Michael became a LEED accredited professional in 2004, the year he started to develop and manage the University of Saskatchewan Office of Sustainability. After leaving the campus he completed formal green roof training and started consulting and implementing projects and became a key player in most of the green roofs in the region.
Michael has served on numerous committees and boards including the Saskatoon Environmental Advisory Committee, Roadmap Saskatoon and cofounded the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canada Green Building Council.
Philosophy
The regional climate Saskatchewan has historically been one of the most variable on the planet. Our rather harsh environment effectively forced indigenous people and the recent colonists to be adaptive and creative. Being creative involves taking some risks of course and unfortunately making mistakes is most often seen to be avoided at any cost. The consensus however is that learning from our mistakes is good. Humanity is the only species able to capture lessons learned (i.e. our history) over generations.
Creativity is a prerequisite for effective change and there will be no greater need for it than in dealing with climate change. Some forms of adaptation have already been thrust upon us and well, it's early days..
Higher Groundwork HortiCulture was established to help improve regional understanding of green roofs, rooftop agriculture and living infrastructure including issues from storm water management to producing urban food. We help land and facility owners, developers, the design profession, builders and residents become confident and successful in implementing these solutions. We support implementation of green infrastructure incentives and policy improvement through awareness, education, engagement and advocacy.
One of many benefits..
Insulation for all seasons in our climate!