Thriving green roof industry in Europe
A study conducted by the University of Technology Sydney in 2023 discovered that green roofs in combination with solar panels not only increase biodiversity, but also reduce temperatures by a significant 8 °C.
Europe leads the world in green roofs
Europe can look back on over three decades of intensive research and innovation in the field of green roofs – a development that has significantly shaped the flourishing industry.
According to the German Green Building Association (BuGG), the green roof area in Germany reached an impressive 3.1 million square kilometers by 2020. However, only a small proportion of the total roof potential has been utilized to date – just 8 percent of the available roof areas are green.
Why is Europe leading the way?
Europe is setting global standards in the promotion of green roofs – a clear sign that many countries have recognized the immense importance of this measure for climate protection and urban quality of life. Thanks to financial incentives and legal requirements, the number of green roofs is growing steadily. In Germany, green roofs are subsidized at the municipal level, while cities such as Hamburg make green roofs mandatory for new buildings in some cases.
Green roofs are one of the most effective solutions for adapting cities to climate change. They store rainwater, relieve the urban sewage system, and reduce the heat island effect, which leads to overheating, especially in densely built-up areas. At the same time, they improve air quality by binding particulate matter and CO₂ and filtering pollutants from the atmosphere.
In addition to their ecological benefits, green roofs create valuable recreational spaces: green terraces, roof gardens, and urban agriculture not only offer a quality of life but also promote biodiversity. Many European cities recognize this potential and are consistently promoting green roofs with targeted funding programs and legal requirements.
An industry has enthusiastically embraced green roofs
Architects, urban planners and developers are increasingly focussing on green roofs, and for good reason. They not only offer ecological benefits, but also contribute to economic efficiency: Green roofs improve the energy efficiency of buildings, reduce operating costs and increase property value. At the same time, they enable compliance with strict environmental regulations and create sustainable, attractive living and working spaces.
Particularly in urban residential and commercial construction, green roofs have long been more than just a trend – they have established themselves as an essential component of modern architecture.
