Public School 41 (P.S. 41)

Jonathan Rose Companies’ Owner’s Representative practice served as the real estate advisor on P.S. 41’s project to develop a green learning laboratory on the school’s under-utilized roof. The goal of the green roof was to create an open space that will engage P.S. 41 students and reinforce their understanding of environmental issues directly affecting them.

The Greenroof Environmental Literacy Laboratory (GELL) at P.S. 41 instills a commitment to sustainability in New York City public school children. As a template for converting asphalt roofs into dynamic green learning spaces, GELL has been nurtured by actively engaged faculty and community partnerships that distinguish the project as an important step towards accomplishing the city’s sustainability goals as described in PlaNYC 2030.

GELL seeks to foster greater environmental stewardship in future generations. The 15,000 sf roof top was transformed through an application of an extensive LiveRoof modular green roof system. The school faculty was actively involved in the plant selection to ensure that all curriculum, sensory and aesthetic needs are addressed in the green roof design. Through the careful selection of plantings, the green roof provides a wildlife refuge for declining and rare native species of birds, snails, and insects specific to Manhattan’s original habitat.

In addition to its educational benefits, the green roof at P.S. 41 improves air quality and reduce the heat island effect in the surrounding neighborhood. It significantly cuts energy consumption and decrease storm water run-off.