Perspective: Task force works to move forward on Green Roof Initiative.

One reason politics is so divisive these days is that the election cycle never seems to end. As soon as the votes are counted, partisans on both sides retreat to their talking points and begin planning for the next campaign.

But things don’t have to be that way. In the mostly forgotten art of politics, compromise is key. After a democratic election, people on both sides of an issue can agree to work together to make public policy better. That’s where Denver is today with our city’s Green Roof Initiative, voted into law last November.

One of us campaigned against the Green Roof ballot measure, certain that the proposal set goals that would be either unworkable or unaffordable for many. One of us initiated the campaign to add meaningful green space, reduce the heat island effect from buildings, improve water quality and increase the use of renewable energy.

But we didn’t let those differences in perspective deter us from talking when the election ended; instead, through the Green Roof Review Task Force, we worked together to find a way forward that we both can support and that, we hope, those on both sides of the election can live with — one that respects the will of the voters, and provides solutions that can be implemented.

To find the way forward, Denver formed a Green Roof Review Task Force to develop recommended modifications, clarifications and improvements in a collaborative process. The goals were to honor the vote and deliver the benefits they demanded while making implementation workable for every building.

The Task Force proposes to give owners of new buildings multiple options for meeting their green requirements. For example, adding green space anywhere on a building site — roof, terrace, podium, or on the ground; or the building could make a financial contribution toward off-site green space. If every new building used this proposal, it would increase total green coverage citywide by more than 14 percent.

Other possibilities include pairing green roofing with solar panels. In this scenario, the green roof would be at least 30 percent of the space, and the solar would cover the remaining 70 percent. Solar panels could be placed anywhere on-site, not simply on rooftops.

Alternatively, we would offer builders the option of pursuing energy efficiency measures instead of solar panels. This would provide, at a minimum, an estimated energy savings of 5-12 percent over the current city of Denver energy code, depending on if the energy efficiency was done in combination with some green space or not. As a final option, building owners could opt to meet third party certification standards such as LEED Gold or Enterprise Green Communities certification.

In a similar fashion, owners of existing buildings would be given five options for how they can comply with the green law when they need to replace their building’s roof.

They could choose a green roof covering a maximum of 18 percent of the surface (the rest would need to be a “cool roof.”) They could install a cool roof and small green space elsewhere on-site. They could install solar panels covering a maximum of 42 percent of the building (or enough to cover the structure’s electrical needs). They could opt for meeting the highest energy efficiency standards, obtaining either LEED Silver or Enterprise Green Communities certification. The building could make a financial contribution towards off-site green space. Or they could enroll in a flexible energy program and comply with one of the many pathways outlined in the program within five years of roof replacement.

While we are making improvements, there are some features of the green roof law, as passed, that should be uncontroversial to change. We must ensure the definitions used in the ordinance are consistent with existing zoning and building code definitions. We must make certain the new ordinance complies with fire department best practices, especially with the building materials used in a green roof, and we should allow new technology that meets water detention standards for green roof compliance.

The goal is to get to a workable policy that delivers green benefits for all Denver residents. If it’s too expensive to build, new structures will be left on the drawing board. If it’s too expensive to upgrade, owners will keep patching old, outdated roofs.

By giving owners and operators a range of options, Denver can deliver its green promises, while remaining a great place to work, play, live and invest. As City Council considers our consensus recommendation, join with our task force to encourage the Council to revise the ordinance; and, as we go forward, let’s all work together to solve our city’s more pressing problems.