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The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services next month will host an event touting the benefits of investments in green roofs.

The sixth annual Portland Ecoroof Symposium will take place May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at World Trade Center Portland. Experts will share scientific research and case studies exploring costs and savings associated with green roofs, said Matt Burlin, BES environmental program coordinator.

“We are focused on eco-roofs and their return on investment for buildings,” he said. “We look at design, we look at implementation, we look at maintenance (and) we look at costs.”

Along with presentations, the symposium will include a vendor showcase featuring about a dozen Portland-metro eco-roof companies, Burlin said.

“It’s a little trade show – a chance to talk shop and certainly answer any questions that attendees have about green roofs,” he said.

Portland has 568 green roofs covering more than 38 acres, and BES officials hope to encourage the development of more because of their environmental benefits, Burlin said. This includes rain absorption to reduce stormwater runoff.

“We work primarily in stormwater issues and that’s why we promote green roofs,” he said.

The symposium registration cost is $50 and includes refreshments and lunch.

Members of the American Institute of Architects‘ Portland chapter and the American Society of Landscape Architects‘ Oregon chapter can earn continuing education credits by attending.

More information is available at .