Skyland USA Celebrates 20 Years of Advancing Sustainable Green Roof Solutions

Company Overview and Global Expansion

Founded in 2005, Skyland USA began as a local supplier of green roof media in the Mid-Atlantic region. Over two decades, the company has expanded internationally, supplying green roof soil products across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Chile, and Australia. By 2025, Skyland USA has installed over 30 million square feet of green roof soil, contributing significantly to sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Evolution of the Green Roof Industry and Innovation

Since its inception, Skyland USA has adapted to the evolving green roof industry, which has shifted from primarily extensive green roofs focused on retrofitting existing buildings for energy efficiency and stormwater management, to diverse intensive green roof systems that provide accessible green spaces in urban environments. This evolution supports SDG 15 (Life on Land) by enhancing urban biodiversity and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving urban air quality and livability.

Key Milestones in Skyland USA’s 20-Year Journey

1. 2005: Company founded; Joe DiNorscia appointed President; Peter Phillippi, MLA, joined bringing expertise from Germany’s advanced green roofing standards.
2. 2006: Completed first New York City project, gaining national recognition.
3. 2008-2010: Achieved 1 million to 5 million square feet of installed rooflite soil; developed ultra-lite soil blends enhancing green roof performance.
4. 2010: Created agricultural soil blend for Brooklyn Grange II rooftop farm, promoting urban agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger).
5. 2011: Benefited from U.S. green infrastructure legislation, accelerating company growth by nearly 50%, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
6. 2013: Expanded to full national coverage; completed high-profile projects including U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.
7. 2014-2016: Reached 10 million square feet installed; developed industry open-source compaction standards and multiple soil systems tailored for diverse applications.
8. 2017: Established international production blenders in Australia, Chile, and Mexico; surpassed 20 million square feet installed.
9. 2019-2023: Launched comprehensive green roof design tools online; streamlined product offerings to meet increasing demand for amenity spaces; reached 30 million square feet installed.
10. 2024-2025: Supplied advanced soil media for major projects at Princeton University; leadership transition with Jason Brown appointed Director, ensuring continued innovation and commitment to sustainability.

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Skyland USA’s green roof solutions enhance urban resilience, reduce heat island effects, and improve stormwater management.
• SDG 13: Climate Action – By promoting green infrastructure, the company supports climate mitigation and adaptation strategies.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – Their products foster urban biodiversity through diverse plant palettes and green roof ecosystems.
• SDG 2: Zero Hunger – Development of rooftop farm soils contributes to urban agriculture initiatives.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Continuous innovation in soil technology and industry standards advances sustainable infrastructure.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Green roofs improve air quality and provide green spaces that enhance mental and physical health.

Leadership and Industry Collaboration

Jason Brown, Director of Skyland USA, credits the company’s success to visionary leadership and dedicated staff. He acknowledges former President Joe DiNorscia and technical expert Peter Phillippi for their foundational roles. Collaboration with landscape architects, designers, and installers has driven product innovation to meet emerging green roof design challenges, fostering sustainable urban development.

Future Outlook

Skyland USA remains committed to providing innovative soil solutions that empower customers to implement bold and sustainable green roof designs worldwide. The company’s ongoing efforts align closely with global sustainability agendas, ensuring a positive environmental impact and contributing to the achievement of the SDGs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses green roofs as a means to enhance urban environments, improve stormwater management, and provide greenery in cities.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Green roofs contribute to climate resilience by managing stormwater and reducing urban heat island effects.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Through the creation of green roofs and rooftop farms, the company supports biodiversity and sustainable land use in urban areas.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The company’s innovation in green roof soil products and development of technical standards reflects progress in sustainable infrastructure and innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.3: By 2030, enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Area of Green Roofs Installed
   • The article mentions installation of over 30 million square feet of green roof soil products, which can be used as an indicator of progress in expanding green infrastructure (relevant to SDG 11.7).
2. Number of Green Roof Projects Completed
   • 215 projects installed in 24 states as of 2022, indicating adoption and spread of green roof technology (relevant to SDG 11.3 and 9.4).
3. Development and Adoption of Industry Standards
   • Creation of open source compaction standards and regional specifications implies measurement of quality and innovation in green roof infrastructure (relevant to SDG 9.4).
4. Innovation in Product Development
   • Development of ultra-lite soil blends and intensive base products reflects progress in sustainable industrial processes (related to SDG 9.4).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: greenroofs.com