A green roof at the Blue Island Public Library, at 2433 York St., was one of 12 projects selected by the MWRD in 2024 to participate in the MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program. Within about a year, it was completed and is now award-winning. The project received the 2025 MWRD Excellence in Green Infrastructure Installation Award at the MWRD's 13th Annual Sustainability Summit. This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to supporting a more sustainable future for the neighborhood. 

Public spaces provide education and inspiration toward climate resilience

Expected to help mitigate flooding in the project area and demonstrate the benefits of constructing green infrastructure, the Blue Island Library green roof provides an innovative and unique green infrastructure application that can drive public engagement, particularly given the educational opportunities a public library provides. Library patrons now see firsthand the importance of drainage and how even the roof over their heads can make a positive impact on mitigating flooding and improving area water quality.

One rooftop and numerous benefits

The green roof captures stormwater and reduces the amount of water entering the city’s sewer system, reducing the risk of flooding and sewer backups in the Blue Island community. Beyond the stormwater management benefits, the green roof provides habitat for pollinators and wildlife, protects the roof of the building and mitigates the urban heat island effect. It can extend the lifespan of the roof and offer cooling in the summer and added insulation in the winter. 

The roof is maintained on a quarterly basis with inspections that ensure the plants are growing and healthy. A sprinkler system was also installed to keep plants irrigated during hot stretches. 

Learn more about applying to the MWRD’s Green Infrastructure Partnership Program