Rasmus Astrup, Partner, SLA Announced as Keynote Speaker Nov. 6 CitiesAlive 2024 in Toronto

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is pleased to announce that Rasmus Astrup, Partner and Design Principal at the Danish nature-based studio SLA, will be a keynote speaker at the 20th Anniversary of CitiesAlive in Toronto, Canada. Rasmus Astrup, known for his expertise in city nature, sustainable landscape architecture, and integrated climate adaptation, is celebrated globally for his leadership on projects that prioritize life—both human and ecological. His work focuses on creating robust cities, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering better living environments through innovative urban spaces. Rasmus has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the 2021 World Landscape of the Year Award.

CitiesAlive 2024 November 6 to 9 is a green infrastructure conference focused on emerging issues such as climate resilience, equity, and decarbonization. This year it will feature over 100 expert speakers, panelists, hands-on learning experiences, expert-led tours, fun networking opportunities, all celebrating two decades of progress in green roof design and other forms of green infrastructure. Click here to learn more and to register before the October 14, 2024 early bird deadline.

Astrup’s presentation, “City Nature and Nature of Cities,” will be on November 6 and will explore the transformative power of integrating nature-based solutions into urban design. Rasmus has demonstrated how cities can embrace living ecosystems to promote sustainability, resilience, and social equity. His talk will offer deep insights into how this approach can drive the future of urban development, using real-world examples from major international projects, including those in Canada.

As a leading voice in sustainable urbanism, Rasmus will inspire attendees with innovative strategies to address the growing challenges cities face today, including climate change, urbanization, and biodiversity loss. His presentation will provide actionable takeaways for architects, landscape architects, policymakers, and urban planners seeking to create greener, healthier cities.

CitiesAlive is co-hosted by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities and the City of Toronto. Register before October 14 to get the early bird rate. Click to see the detailed agenda.

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About Us:

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities is a non-profit 501(c)(6) professional industry association working to grow the green roof and wall industry throughout North America since 1999. Our mission is to develop and protect the market by increasing the awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, green walls, and other forms of living architecture through education, advocacy, professional development, and celebrations of excellence. 

GRHC publishes The Living Architecture Monitor quarterly online magazine where industry leaders share their insights and expertise. These articles increase awareness of the economic, social, and environmental benefits of green roofs, walls and other forms of living architecture. 

GRHC publishes the free podcast Sustainable Futures: Designing Green Buildings and Communities which features interviews with a wide variety of experts.

GRHC offers free access to The Living Architecture Academy, an online professional development platform which is dedicated to bringing you the best, most up to date professional training information on design, installation and maintenance practices across a wide range of green infrastructure topics. The LAA offers short lectures and multi-day courses such as: Green Roof Professional (GRP)Training, Introduction to Green Walls, Biodiverse Green Roof Maintenance, and much more. 

GRHC publishes the Green Pages: Industry Green Roof and Wall Directory which is designed to support you with your living architecture projects by providing a list of trusted manufacturers, suppliers of accessories, green walls, nurseries, and certified Green Roof Professionals (GRPs). From small-scale residential projects to large commercial installations, this directory has everything you need to find support to create a sustainable and beautiful living space.

Save the date and join us for our 20th Anniversary of CitiesAlive in Toronto on November 6 to 9 in 2024! With over 100 speakers and three days, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Thank you to our many sponsors and partners who are bringing you CitiesAlive this year:

City of Toronto

Rooflite

American Hydrotech 

Ginkgo Sustainability 

Soprema

Carlisle 

Liveroof Global 

Hoffman Nursery 

Nextlevel Stormwater Management 

IKO 

ARUP 

Liveroof Ontario 

Just Vertical 

Greenbelt 

ReNew Canada 

Green Infrastructure Foundation