The new Marinette County Resource Center green roof and atrium at 1825 Ella Court in Marinette, Wis.

MARINETTE, Wis. — Marinette County’s newly renovated Resource Center at 1925 Ella Court, the former County Law Enforcement Center/Jail, has opened its doors and features an environmentally friendly roof top.

The approximately 13,000-square-foot roof consist of approximately 5,000 square feet of green roof area, which includes a climate controlled glass atrium of approximately 500 square feet. The green roof is anticipated to extend the life of the new roof membrane, provide extra insulation reducing energy costs and improve the quality of storm water generated on the roof top.

Atop the roof membrane are layers of filtering and protective fleece, a drainage mat and soil, all topped with vegetation and patio pavers. Plant covering is primarily a low-growing green sedum, which resembles grass but doesn’t require cutting. Perennial accent plants, including chives and nodding onions, highlight small berms and seating areas. Year-round use of the roof top is made possible through the use of a 500-square-foot, climate-controlled glass atrium immediately adjacent to the green roof area.

Marinette County Administrator John Lefebvre proposed the green roof in an effort to lead by example hoping others within the area will do what they can to reduce and/or improve the quality of storm water entering area surface waters. The County Land Information Department-Conservation Division will use the green roof to educate Marinette County residents and business leaders on the importance of stormwater management.

“Improving the work environment for county staff within the Resource Center and adjacent courthouse/annex and lessen the impact of roof top storm water on the community storm sewer system and area surface waters were the main reasons for proposing a green roof,” Lefebvre said.

It is anticipated that public access to the Green Roof/Atrium will be limited to education opportunities provided by the County Land Information Department-Conservation Education Specialist beginning next summer.

Funding for the green roof was made possible in part through a grant from the Fund for Lake Michigan, a Wisconsin-based non-profit entity with a mission to protect and improve the quality of Lake Michigan water.