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ELT’s green roofs can be installed on many types of buildings.ELT employs nine staff, and if the company growth in the past threeyears is any indication, that number is certain to rise. In 2004, ELTinstalled four roofs; in the 2006 season, there were 15 projects,ranging in size from a small flat porch roof to large corporate officebuildings. Greg credits the increased knowledge of the technologywith helping his company. “When I first started, people didn’t knowwhat green roofs were. Now when I visit potential customers, theyalready know about it and are interested in knowing how it canbe used in their building,” he notes.Thanks to the Discovery Channel, even more people may soon behearing about green roofs and ELT. The new show “What’s ThatAbout?” takes a behind-the-scenes look at familiar places, andthey recently filmed an episode that explores a condominiumconstruction site in Ottawa. The show producers examined manyaspects of the building project, including the installation of theELT-supplied roof. “It is very interesting to see how a televisionshow is put together,” says Greg. “We don’t know when the showwill air, but we are hopeful that it will be good publicity for us.”ELT is also launching a marketing campaign that will furtherpromote their innovative products.As the only Canadian green roof system provider, ELT is indemand across the country. They have completed installations inVancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and even Maine. To furtherexpand their business (and cut down on some of the travel), Greg istraining certified growers and installers across Canada and theUnited States.Currently, Greg grows the majority of sedum and other plantsneeded for the green roof installations on a farm near Burford.“That way, I still get to play in the dirt,” he says. Greg feels theirfarm backgrounds and agriculture educations are a big benefit inthis new business. “In farming you learn about construction,plant growth and managing money,” he says. “These skills areall necessary in this company.”“Studies have shown that green roofs can reduce theamount of storm water that flows into sewer systems,improve air quality, decrease heating and coolingcosts, and reduce the urban heat island effect. “Greg and Cheryl are grateful to have a business where theirchildren can be active participants. “We both grew up on farmswhere there was work we could do, and we want to instill thatwork ethic in our kids,” says Cheryl. Their two children are alreadyhelping at ELT: 14-year old Justin assists on the farm, whiledaughter Amanda, 12, helps Cheryl with data entry.Although starting a new venture has risks and requires hard workto succeed, the Garners are happy they chose this business.“I think there is great potential for green roofs to become morepopular, and for ELT to grow,” says Greg.For more information on green roofs and to see some samplesof Greg and Cheryl’s work, visit www.elteasygreen.com.9