One upside to the situation may be the more rapid adoption of "green" building practices, especially the easiest and least expensive ones, like the green roof--rooftop gardens, complete with soil, that through natural thermal insulation keep structures cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, lower heating and air-conditioning, saving money and energy.

According to a study referenced at Greenroofs.com, a Web site dedicated to the practice, a three- to seven-degree temperature reduction can translate to a 10% reduction in air conditioning needs. For a one-story structure, the savings could be as much as 20% to 30%. Another study estimates Chicago could save as much as $100 million if all the city's buildings had green roofs.

The practice is being planned for Seattle's new Justice Center and City Hall, as well as for retrofit projects for nearly a dozen parking garages. In addition, the Central Puget Sound Chapter of the Northwest Eco-Building guild (www.ecobuilding.org/seattle/ecoroof.htm) is in the process of a two-year project to research eco-roof technologies. Research will include the installation of multiple test roofs throughout the Seattle area, which will then be monitored and documented over the next several years.