Skip To Translation Selection Skip To Top Navigation Skip To Content Skip To Footer
Campus Alert
Update on Facilities Emergency

Following the electrical incident originating in Building 42, significant progress has been made in assessing the affected facilities. Power is expected to be restored to Buildings 38, 39, 43 and 47 within the next several hours.

Buildings 32 and 42 will remain closed through the end of this week while additional assessments are completed and necessary repairs are implemented.

Academic Operations

  • SEAS will remain on Emergency Remote Instruction (ERI) through the end of the week.
  • Classes for all non-SEAS students will resume normal operations.
  • Classes at the Law School, Community College, Congress Heights and the DCA Aviation Hangar will continue as scheduled.

Administrative Operations

  • Administrative and support functions at the Van Ness campus will resume normal business operations.

SEAS Faculty, Staff and Students

SEAS staff should contact their supervisors regarding remote work expectations. SEAS faculty should coordinate with their supervisors regarding ERI and may contact CAL for instructional technology support, including Blackboard, Zoom and Webex, at [email protected].

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and community remains our highest priority. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

For safety concerns, contact OPSEM at 202-274-5050. For emergencies, call 911.

University of the District of Columbia Facebook University of the District of Columbia Instagram University of the District of Columbia LinkedIn University of the District of Columbia Twitter/X University of the District of Columbia YouTube
UDC green roof

UDC Green Roof

UDC Green Roof: A Living Laboratory for Urban Horticulture and Sustainability

Since 2016, the University of the District of Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (UDC-CAUSES) has nurtured a pioneering 20,000-square-foot green roof atop Building 44 on the Van Ness campus. This innovative rooftop ecosystem serves as a vibrant demonstration site for stormwater management, energy efficiency, and urban agriculture—while providing aesthetic enhancement, extended roof longevity, and valuable community benefits. 

What sets UDC-CAUSES' urban green roof apart is its focus on productive, food-growing ecosystems. The vegetated roof features shallow-soil zones for microgreens, lettuces, and herbs; deeper perimeter planters supporting diverse crops including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, beans, and berry bushes; a greenhouse; and vertical hydroponics. The green roof functions as a compact, urban counterpart to UDC’s 143-acre Firebird Research Farm in Beltsville, Maryland. By capturing and recirculating rainwater, reducing urban heat island effects, improving air quality, and lowering building energy demands, this eco-roof delivers tangible environmental and economic solutions for District residents. 

In 2024, UDC-CAUSES Center for Urban Resilience, Innovation, and Infrastructure (CURII) has evolved the green roof into a dynamic hub advancing the land-grant mission through three interconnected pillars: 

  • Research: Conducting applied studies on crop performance in rooftop environments, resilient plant varieties, soil-less growing techniques, and climate-adaptive horticulture to address urban food security and environmental challenges. 
  • Extension: Delivering outreach, workshops, tours, and technical assistance to community gardeners, urban farmers, Master Gardeners, and District stakeholders—promoting sustainable practices that enhance local food systems and green infrastructure. 
  • Education: Providing hands-on learning opportunities for students in urban agriculture, sustainability, and horticultural sciences—fostering the next generation of leaders equipped to transform cities through innovative, science-based solutions. 

As the largest green roof in the District of Columbia, this living laboratory continues to demonstrate how integrated horticultural approaches can mitigate climate impacts, boost biodiversity, produce nutritious food, and inspire sustainable urban development.  

Tour the green roof 

Contact Us

The College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability, and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES)
4200 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-274-7124
Back to Top
Take The Next Steps, Today!
Apply Now Visit UDC