Articles
It’s Water, Stupid!
An overview of the severity of the international water crisis and efforts to address it in Europe through green infrastructure policies and regulations, including the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and the recent adoption of the Nature Restoration Law.
Cultivating Change: The Role of Urban Agriculture in European Policy
Explore urban agriculture's potential in European policy. Understand how to address food security, environmental challenges, emphasizing the need for innovation and sustainable urban development.
Unveiling A Breathtaking Green Roof First Conceived By Hundertwasser
In 1993, Whangārei’s Mayor, Stan Semenoff, invited Hundertwasser to design an art centre, a project that finally came to life in 2022. Learn about this magnificent biodiverse and biophilic building and its living and edible afforested roof in Whangārei, New Zealand.
Industry Leaders Support Innovative European Union Policy Advancements Regarding Green Infrastructure
This article highlights 2023 policy and regulatory advancements on green infrastructure support within the European Union, and suggests a path forward for greening cities.
An Innovative Approach to Securing Green Roof Maintenance in Shiraz
The City Council of Shiraz secures green roof maintenance by requiring developers to set aside maintenance funds for five years and inspecting maintenance annually.
Going Soilless and Low Maintenance in Singapore
This article explores the innovative use of soilless green roofs in urban development, focusing on Singapore's Bidadari Park Toilet Project by GWS Living Art. The GaiaMat™ system, incorporating soft weed vegetation, enhances biodiversity, reduces urban disturbances, and promotes sustainability in urban environments.
Building Resilient and Green Futures With the European Union’s New Climate-Resilient Construction Guidance Document
Learn more about the European Commissions’ new guidance document on climate-resilient building practices and the multiple roles of green roofs and walls.
Østerbro Klimakvarter – The First Climate Adaptation Neighborhood in Denmark
A decade ago, the City of Copenhagen began redesigning neighborhoods, transforming them into climate adaptation projects, using community lead, integrated stormwater management approaches to cool cities, reduce flooding and provide amenity spaces. Learn about the design and performance of one of the first climate adapted neighborhoods in Copenhagen.
Nature Restoration Law: The Battle for Urban Greening Targets in the European Union
The European Union’s draft Nature Restoration Law contains binding targets for the greening of the EU’s ecosystems and its cities for 2040 and 2050. Its very ambitious and progressive but it is facing an uphill battle to become law and upcoming elections are complicating matters.
European Lawmakers Poised to Include Green Infrastructure in New Rules for Sustainable Buildings
New developments in the European Parliament are supportive of green infrastructure and now must pass National government approval.
Photovoltaic on Green Roofs – the Scandinavian Way
An overview by Scandanavian green roof leaders on the synergies between green roofs and solar photovoltaics and some of the key design considerations required.
EU Policy Innovations Support Green Infrastructure Amid Climate Transition
A great review of multiple policy changes proposed recently by the World Green Infrastructure Network to the European Union (EU) to support the increased utilization of green infrastructure in the built environment throughout Europe.
Renaturing Cities and Restoring the Natural Water Cycle Through Green Infrastructure
This article provides an overview of various policy initiatives underway by the European Commission that may support greater green infrastructure investment, in response to severe climate change impacts experienced throughout Europe this summer.
National and Local Regulations and Programs Are Stimulating the Green Roof Industry in Poland
The Polish Green Roof and Wall Industry is thriving under a series of new national and local funding programs and regulations.
GRHC Has New Online Courses For Green Infrastructure
This article provides an overview of events, professional training, new Green Roof Professionals, new members, and a Buyers Guide.
Cutting Edge Policy in England Requires New Buildings To Incorporate Biodiversity
Dusty Gedge explains how new policies enacted in England promise to improve biodiversity by measuring the biodiversity related impacts of development and requiring a net gain in biodiversity – good news for green roofs.
Urban Biodiversity Targets Lay the Ground for Holistic Exploitation of Rooftops in European Cities
Back in May 2020, the European Union presented its biodiversity strategy for 2030 – a comprehensive plan to protect nature, reverse the degradation of ecosystems and put Europe's biodiversity on a path to recovery by 2030.
Transforming the Built Environment Through the Smart Combination of Green Infrastructure and Solar Installations in Europe
The European Solar Rooftops Initiative presents a unique opportunity to maximize the impact for cities and citizens promoting the combination of green infrastructure and solar installations on every rooftop and impervious surface where it is economically and technically feasible.
In France, a New Law Supports Green Roofs on Buildings
Promulgated on August 24, 2021, the Climate and Resilience Act includes article 101 that strengthens and expands previous laws in favor of implementing green roofs. The French government is taking these additional steps so that green roofs can be implemented more widely, particularly to promote the acceptance of biodiversity and the fight against climate change.
New European Proposal for Energy Performance of Buildings Is a Missed Opportunity for Nature and Well-Being
The European Union’s new Energy Performance of Buildings Directive falls short when it comes to the integration of living architecture, despite widespread public support for having more nature in cities and more government action on climate change.