High above Concourse A and the Food Court at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), two rooftops help reduce stormwater runoff and limit pollutants that could otherwise reach the Rocky River. Though they appear red or brown in winter, these “living roofs” are part of a year-round system designed to support sustainability in surprising ways.
Not Dead, Just Dormant
Installed in 2017, these two green roofs produce vibrant flowers and succulents in the spring and summer, and fade to red as they go dormant in the fall and winter. Many passengers who catch a glimpse of them from Concourse A or the Food Court may think the roofs are dead, but they are simply dormant for the season.
These small but mighty plants cover 7,300 square feet, absorbing 120,000 gallons of stormwater and 300,000 lbs of carbon dioxide per year. For nearly a decade, the green roofs have captured 1,080,000 gallons of stormwater and 2,700,000 lbs of CO2 since they were installed. They also help reduce energy use by acting as insulation, and reduce the amount of phosphorus, sediment, and nitrogen that can flow toward the Rocky River as point-source pollution.
A Water Bottle’s Second Life
CLE’s green roofs, installed by Rooftop Green, are made up of tray systems placed across the rooftop. Those trays capture stormwater, filter it through the vegetation, and help keep the plants healthy. Even better, the trays are made from recycled plastic water bottles. They were manufactured here in Cleveland, and the filtration materials used in the system were also sourced locally.
The next time you fly with CLE, take a look out over the living roofs. Start noticing green space in the new city you’re visiting, or right here in The Land. Small efforts can make a big impact when we all do our part.
CLE is currently in Phase 1 of the new Sustainability Management Plan, launched in July 2025. Phase 2 will begin summer 2026. Visit the Environmental Sustainability page to view the Emissions Reduction Commitment and the full Sustainability Management Plan.
