Green roofs as a climate adaptation measure in Germany in the context of global warming

The Copernicus Climate Report, recently published in April 2025, once again underscores the urgency of effective climate adaptation measures in the face of ongoing global warming. This report aims to shed light on how we are already making valuable contributions to precisely these required adaptation strategies through a widespread practice – green roofs – often perhaps even unknowingly, and how this potential can be further exploited.

2. Introduction

Global climate change is manifesting itself with increasing clarity and intensity at the regional level. As a result, Germany faces significant challenges resulting from changing climatic conditions. Urban areas, in particular, are additionally burdened by effects such as the urban heat island. Rising average temperatures, an increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves, and a change in precipitation patterns with more frequent extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall require urgent adaptation strategies to strengthen the resilience of cities and society. The need to make cities more resilient to the consequences of climate change (climate resilience) is therefore increasingly becoming the focus of urban planning, policy, and research.

This report aims to analyze the latest findings of the "European State of the Climate" (ESOTC) 2024 report, published in April 2025 by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) in cooperation with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), with regard to climate trends relevant to Germany. Building on this analysis, the potential of green roofs as a multifunctional measure for adapting to projected climate impacts is examined and evaluated in detail. A direct link is established between the identified climate risks—particularly heat stress and heavy rainfall events—and the specific effects of green roofs.

The methodological basis of the report is the observations and trends for Europe and its subregions documented in ESOTC 2024, as well as a broad base of scientific studies and expert reports on the ecological, hydrological, climatic, and energy benefits of green roofs. Climate projections for Germany based on regional climate models are also used to assess future developments and the urgency of adaptation measures.

The report is structured as follows: First, the key findings of the ESOTC 2024 report relevant to Germany are presented (Section 2). This is followed by a comprehensive analysis of the diverse benefits and impacts of green roofs (Section 3). Building on this, Section 4 explores the synergy between the identified climate impacts and the solutions offered by green roofs in order to assess their adaptation potential specifically for the German context. Finally, Section 5 classifies green roofs as a future strategy for Germany, including an examination of existing framework conditions and recommendations for increased implementation.

2. Climate change in Europe and Germany: Key findings of the Copernicus ESOTC 2024 report

The annual European State of the Climate (ESOTC) report provides a comprehensive, science-based analysis of the state of the climate in Europe. The 2024 edition (ESOTC 2024), published in April 2025, was jointly produced by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report draws on the expertise of around 100 scientists and analyzes a wide range of climate variables and events, from temperature and precipitation to heat stress and flooding, glacier melt, and renewable energy resources.

Globally, 2024 was the warmest year on record and the first year in which the global average temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The last ten years (2015-2024) were the warmest ten years on record globally. At the same time, atmospheric concentrations of the greenhouse gases carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane continued to rise.

Observed warming trends in Europe and relevance for Germany: Europe is proving to be the fastest-warming continent on Earth. Since the 1980s, Europe has warmed twice as fast as the global average. This accelerated warming is partly attributed to the high proportion of European land area in the Arctic—the fastest-warming region globally—as well as to more frequent summer heatwaves. This above-average warming rate has direct consequences: It implies shortened response times for adaptation measures. Ecosystems, infrastructures, and societies in Europe, including Germany, have less time to adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Thresholds for critical or irreversible damage, for example in the areas of biodiversity or the functioning of critical infrastructure, could therefore be reached earlier than in regions with slower warming. This underscores the particular urgency of proactive and accelerated adaptation strategies in Germany.

The year 2024 continued this trend and was the warmest year on record for Europe. Almost half of the continent, particularly Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, experienced record-high annual average temperatures. Overall, 85% of Europe was warmer than average. Germany also recorded 2024 as its warmest year on record, with an average of 10.9°C, 0.3°C higher than the previous record set in 2023. Before 2014, Germany only experienced annual averages below 10°C. The annual mean sea surface temperature for the European region and the Mediterranean also reached new record highs in 2024.

Increase in heat extremes (heat waves, hot days, tropical nights): The ESOTC 2024 report documents a worrying increase in heat extremes. The number of days with severe heat stress (defined by the Universal Thermal Climate Index, UTCI, with thresholds of 32°C for 'severe,' 38°C for 'very severe,' and 46°C for 'extreme') was the second highest in Europe since records began in 2024. Over 60% of Europe's land area experienced more days of at least severe heat stress than average.

At the same time, the number of tropical nights – nights during which the temperature does not fall below 20°C – reached its second-highest level during the observation period. Southeastern Europe was particularly affected, recording record-high numbers of days of severe heat stress (66 days) and tropical nights (23 nights) in 2024. This region also experienced the longest heatwave on record in July 2024, lasting 13 consecutive days and affecting 55% of the region. Overall, heatwaves occurred in parts of Europe during 43 of the 97 summer days (June 1 to September 5). At the same time, the area of ​​Europe experiencing frost days is decreasing. In 2024, the largest area to date with fewer than three months (90 days) of frost days was recorded.

These trends have serious implications for human health. They increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses, and young children, especially in densely populated urban areas. The increase in tropical nights represents an often underestimated but critical stress factor. Lack of nighttime cooling prevents the body from recovering from daytime heat, leading to cumulative heat stress and significantly increasing health risks. Standard warnings and measures that focus primarily on daily maximum temperatures may therefore be insufficient. Adaptation strategies must explicitly consider nighttime conditions and the potential for nighttime cooling. Projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn that even with global warming of 1.5°C, up to 30,000 heat-related deaths could occur annually in Europe.

Changes in precipitation patterns (heavy rainfall, flood risks): The year 2024 was characterized by a striking east-west contrast in precipitation in Europe. While Western Europe experienced one of the ten wettest years since 1950, large parts of Eastern Europe were drier than average. The high rainfall in the west led to some rivers recording record discharges in spring and autumn.

Across Europe, 2024 saw the most extensive flooding since 2013. Almost a third (30%) of the European river network exceeded at least the high flood threshold, while 12% even reached the severe flood threshold. These events had devastating consequences: Storms and flooding affected an estimated 413,000 people and claimed at least 335 lives across Europe. Storm Boris in September 2024, for example, also caused significant flooding and damage in parts of Germany.

These observations are consistent with IPCC analyses, which indicate that Europe is one of the regions with the greatest projected increase in flood risk. An increase in the intensity of extreme precipitation events is already being observed and is an expected consequence of climate change. The increase in heavy rainfall and the resulting flooding not only pose a direct threat to life and limb. They can also trigger cascading effects with far-reaching consequences: damage to critical infrastructure such as transport networks, energy supplies, and water management; significant economic losses due to production downtime and repair costs; impairment of water quality due to pollutants washed into the water; and increased health risks due to contaminated water and the spread of pathogens. Adapting to these risks therefore requires a systems approach that takes into account the interconnectedness of the various hazards and sectors.

Future projections for Germany: The regional climate projections available for Germany, for example from the EURO-CORDEX ensemble, indicate a continuation and intensification of the observed trends. Depending on the underlying emissions scenario, a further increase in the annual mean temperature is expected by the end of the 21st century. For the RCP4.5 scenario (medium emissions), the range of the projected increase is between +1.2°C and +3.2°C, and for the high-emissions scenario RCP8.5, even between +3.2°C and +4.6°C (relative to the reference period 1971-2000). The warming trend tends to be stronger in southern Germany.

For precipitation, the projections are more spatially differentiated. For the winter months, an increase in precipitation totals is predominantly projected (e.g., +8% to +32% for RCP8.5), while trends for the summer are mixed, showing both increases and decreases. However, there is consensus that the intensity of heavy rainfall events will generally increase. An increase in the frequency and intensity of heat waves and droughts is also expected, with the latter potentially affecting areas in eastern Germany and the Rhine-Main region in particular. These projections highlight the need to develop and implement long-term and robust adaptation strategies for Germany.

Table 2.1: Summary of relevant ESOTC 2024 results and projections for Germany

3. Multifunctional benefits of green roofs

In light of the climate changes documented in the ESOTC 2024 report and projected for the future, adaptation measures are gaining importance. Green roofs represent a particularly promising technology in this regard, as they make unused or otherwise sealed roof areas – which in cities can account for a significant proportion of the total area (up to 30-50% of the sealed area) – usable for vegetation and generate a multitude of positive effects. They are an established measure in ecologically oriented urban planning and are considered an important building block for climate adaptation strategies.

Technology overview and types: Basically, a distinction is made between different types of green roofs, which differ in installation height, weight, plant selection, possible uses, maintenance requirements and costs:

Extensive green roofs: This is the most common form. It is characterized by a thin layer of approximately 8 to 15 cm and is therefore relatively lightweight (approximately 60-150 kg/m²). The plants used are undemanding, drought-resistant, and low-maintenance species such as various Sedum species (succulents), mosses, and herbs. This type of green roof is generally not intended for regular use (only maintenance work) and has comparatively low construction and maintenance costs. It is suitable for a variety of roofs with low load-bearing capacity, including garage and carport roofs.

Intensive green roofs: This form resembles a rooftop garden. It features a significantly thicker substrate structure (from 15 cm up to 100 cm or more) and is therefore heavier (180 kg/m² to over 500 kg/m², sometimes up to 1500 kg/m²). This allows for a more diverse planting, which can include not only lawns and perennials, but also shrubs and even small trees. Intensive green roofs are accessible and can be used as recreational areas, roof gardens, or for urban farming. However, they require a higher structural load-bearing capacity of the roof and regular maintenance and irrigation, similar to a ground-level garden.

Retention roof (special form): Retention roofs are specifically designed to retain as much rainwater as possible and significantly slow runoff. They feature special drainage layers and often containment elements that maintain a defined water level on the roof. This allows them to store significant amounts of water (e.g., 50-80 liters per square meter) even during heavy rainfall events and makes an important contribution to flood prevention.

Combination with photovoltaics (solar green roof): An increasingly important option is the combination of green roofs (usually extensive) with photovoltaic systems. These "solar green roofs" enable a synergistic dual use of the roof area for climate adaptation (through green roofing) and climate protection (through renewable energy generation).

Detailed effects and benefits: Green roofs offer a wide range of positive effects, making them a multifunctional adaptation measure:

Reducing the urban heat island effect (cooling): Green roofs counteract the overheating of cities in several ways. The most important mechanism is evaporative cooling (evapotranspiration): Plants absorb water through their roots and release it into the environment as water vapor through their leaves; in addition, water evaporates directly from the moist substrate. This process extracts energy (latent heat) from the environment and leads to cooling. While conventional, dark roofs convert up to 95% of incoming solar radiation into sensible heat, extensively green roofs convert only around 42%, while 58% is used for evaporative cooling. Other cooling mechanisms include the shading of the roof surface by vegetation and the higher albedo (reflectivity) of green roofs compared to dark roof materials. The cooling effect can be impressively demonstrated quantitatively: surface temperatures of green roofs are significantly lower than those of non-green roofs. Measurements in Braunschweig showed an average of 11°C and a maximum of 17.4°C lower surface temperatures on an extensive green roof on a summer day compared to a conventional roof. Other studies report reductions of up to 40°C or a reduction in the temperature amplitude on the roof surface from 50 K (Kelvin) to 20 K. This reduced surface heating also leads to a cooling of the surrounding air. Studies and models show a reduction in near-surface air temperature by an average of 0.6–1.5°C, in one German study by 1.34°C, or up to 0.8 K at a height of 2 meters in simulations. For larger, contiguous green areas (from approximately 1 hectare), cooling of 1–3°C is possible, locally even up to 8°C. A model for the city of Essen showed an average cooling effect of -0.8°C on the urban air temperature with extensive green roofing. However, the effectiveness of this cooling effect is not constant, but depends largely on the water availability in the substrate. Extensive green roofs with low substrate depth can dry out during long dry periods, reducing evaporation capacity and thus the cooling effect. This is particularly critical in times of increasing heat waves and droughts, as documented in the ESOTC 2024 report. More intensive green roofs or specially designed retention roofs with greater water storage capacities can maintain evaporation and thus the cooling effect over a longer period, thus offering more robust adaptation to heat extremes. The choice of green roof type is therefore crucial for a sustainable cooling effect.

Improved stormwater management: Green roofs play a central role in modern stormwater management in urban areas. They store precipitation water in the vegetation, substrate, and drainage layers. The water is released into the sewer system only with a delay, thus limiting runoff peaks during heavy rainfall events. A significant portion of the stored water subsequently evaporates and returns to the local water cycle, contributing to air humidification and cooling. The layers also act as filters and can retain pollutants from stormwater. Their quantitative performance is remarkable: Extensive green roofs can retain an annual average of 40 to 90% of precipitation; intensive green roofs can even achieve up to 99%. Maximum runoff peaks during heavy rainfall can be reduced by 50 to 100%; other sources cite an average of 71%. Even simple extensive roofs store around 10 l/m², intensive roofs around 40 l/m². However, during extreme heavy rainfall events (e.g., > 35 l/m²), the capacity of simple systems can be exceeded. Retention roofs are superior here and can selectively store large volumes, e.g., 50–80 l/m². The effects are diverse: The burden on sewers and wastewater treatment plants is reduced, the risk of local flooding from heavy rainfall is reduced, and in many municipalities, stormwater fees can be saved due to reduced discharge. Green roofs are thus an important component of the "sponge city" concept, which aims to store and use water locally instead of quickly discharging it.

Promoting Urban Biodiversity: In heavily sealed cities, valuable habitats for animals and plants are being lost. Green roofs can make an important contribution here by creating replacement habitats. They act as "stepping stone biotopes" that connect isolated green spaces and facilitate the spread of species. Vegetation provides food sources, especially flowering plants, for pollinators such as wild bees, honey bees, and butterflies. Targeted design can also create nesting opportunities, for example, through sand lenses, deadwood, or special nesting substrates. Studies show that green roofs can increase biodiversity in cities. Red List endangered species have already been detected on green roofs. However, their ecological value depends heavily on their design and maintenance. While simple, extensive sedum roofs already offer some benefits, biodiversity can be significantly increased through targeted measures. These include the use of diverse, ideally native plant species, the creation of different substrate heights and structures (e.g., sand, gravel, deadwood), the provision of temporary or permanent water sources, and adapted, extensive maintenance. The higher the vegetation cover and the diversity of flowering plants, the higher the diversity and abundance of insects. So-called "biodiversity roofs" are specifically designed to promote maximum ecological diversity. Combining them with photovoltaic systems can pose both opportunities (e.g., creation of wetter, shadier microhabitats) and risks (e.g., shading, loss of light-loving species) for biodiversity and requires careful planning.

Improved air quality: Vegetation on roofs contributes to improving urban air quality. Plants filter particulate matter and other pollutants from the air. These particles settle on leaf surfaces or are bound in the substrate and partially metabolized by microorganisms or the plants themselves (especially mosses). Through photosynthesis, plants also bind carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and produce oxygen. Evaporation of water increases local humidity, which can also contribute to the binding of dust particles. Quantifications show a 10-20% higher filtering efficiency for dust compared to gravel roofs. Calculations show that an extensive green roof can bind between 1.4 and 9.8 g/m² of particulate matter per year; another study cites up to 190 g per year for 19 m² of greened area. Sedum plantings alone can filter 10-60% of particulate matter. CO2 sequestration is up to 1.2 kg/m²/year for extensive roofs, and even up to 2.9 kg/m²/year for intensive roofs. Nitrogen oxide emissions can also be reduced (by 29% through roof greening and up to 40% through facade greening).

Building insulation and energy savings: The various layers of a green roof—vegetation, substrate, drainage layer, and the air trapped within—work together to provide an additional layer of insulation for the building. In summer, heat gain into the building is reduced by shading the roof surface and, above all, by evaporative cooling (summer heat protection). This leads to more pleasant indoor temperatures and can reduce the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. In winter, the additional insulation layer reduces heat loss through the roof to the outside (winter cold protection), which can lead to savings in heating costs. The annual energy saving potential of an extensive green roof is estimated at approximately 1 liter of heating oil per square meter. The insulation effect can be increased by approximately 10%, and studies have shown that the summer heat load can be reduced by up to 60%. Indoor comfort can improve by 3-5°C. The thermal resistance of the roof is increased, which describes the insulating effect. However, it is important to consider the energy benefits in the context of existing building standards. Modern buildings and renovations must already meet high insulation standards according to the Building Energy Act (GEG). With such well-insulated roofs, the additional insulating effect of green roofs is comparatively lower in winter. However, summer heat protection through evaporative cooling remains a significant advantage even in well-insulated buildings, reducing energy requirements for cooling and increasing thermal comfort. This aspect is becoming increasingly important in light of rising summer temperatures. The recognition of green roofs in energy efficiency funding programs partly reflects this benefit.

Additional benefits: In addition to the main functions mentioned above, green roofs offer other positive effects:

Sound insulation: They reduce ambient noise pollution (e.g., street noise, aircraft noise) inside the building and minimize sound reflection to the outside. An improvement in airborne sound insulation of up to 3 dB has been reported.

Protection of the roof waterproofing: The vegetation and substrate layer protects the underlying roof waterproofing from harmful UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations (reductions of up to 30°C), hailstorms, and mechanical damage. This can significantly extend the service life of the roof waterproofing; estimates suggest a doubling to approximately 40 years. This reduces maintenance and renovation costs.

Aesthetics and quality of life: Green roofs visually enhance the cityscape and create much-needed green and recreational spaces in densely built-up areas. They can positively influence the psychological well-being of residents and offer potential for community uses such as rooftop gardens or urban farming.

Synergy with photovoltaics: The cooling effect of evaporation from green roofs can lower the operating temperature of photovoltaic modules. Since the performance of solar cells decreases at high temperatures, this can lead to an increase in electricity yield. Performance increases of 4-5% to 8% have been reported, although the actual effect depends on the location and system. Careful planning regarding module mounting, shading, and maintenance is necessary for a successful combination.

Table 3.1: Quantifiable effects of green roofs (selection)

4. Synergy: How green roofs counteract the effects of climate change in Germany

The climate trends documented in the ESOTC 2024 report and the developments forecast for Germany – in particular the increase in heat extremes and heavy rainfall events – pose significant challenges. However, the effects of green roofs described in detail in the previous section offer direct and synergistic solutions to address these challenges at the local level.

Mitigating urban heat stress: The central problem of increasing heat stress in cities, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect and documented by the rising number of hot days, heat stress days, and tropical nights in ESOTC 2024 and projections for Germany, leads to increased health risks and impairs quality of life. Green roofs directly counteract this trend. Their ability to provide evaporative cooling and shade drastically reduces the surface temperatures of buildings. This reduction in surface heating minimizes heat radiation into the urban environment and thus mitigates the heat island effect, which locally amplifies the regional heat trends. At the same time, evaporation actively cools the surrounding air, leading to a noticeable improvement in the microclimate and the quality of outdoor life. Furthermore, the improved heat protection reduces the energy required for building cooling and increases indoor comfort. The proven cooling capacity of green roofs thus represents a direct and effective adaptive response to the heat trends documented in ESOTC 2024.

Management of heavy rainfall events: The extensive flooding reported in ESOTC 2024 and the generally increasing risk of intense heavy rainfall events in Germany are increasingly leading to the overloading of urban sewer systems, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, and posing risks to the population. Green roofs offer a decentralized solution for stormwater management. Their ability to temporarily store precipitation water (retention) and delay its release significantly reduces peak runoff during heavy rainfall. This relieves the burden on sewer networks and can help prevent or mitigate local flooding. Retention roofs, in particular, are designed for maximum retention. A key aspect here is the synergy between water retention and evaporation. The stored water is not only discharged with a time delay, but a large portion of it evaporates back into the atmosphere. This process not only supports the natural water cycle in the city but, as described above, also contributes to cooling the environment. Green roofs thus simultaneously address two key climate impacts – flood risk and heat stress – which underlines their effectiveness as an adaptation measure.

Strengthening the resilience of buildings and infrastructure: Climate change also puts stress on the built environment. Extreme temperatures strain building materials, and heavy rainfall events challenge drainage infrastructure. Green roofs contribute to resilience by protecting roof waterproofing from the elements and extending its lifespan. Reducing energy demand for heating and cooling relieves strain on energy systems, especially during peak summer demand. Reducing the load on the sewer system (see above) reduces the risk of damage to drainage infrastructure. In addition, combining them with photovoltaics can increase energy efficiency and support local energy generation.

Co-benefits for adaptation: Beyond direct adaptation to heat and heavy rain, green roofs offer important co-benefits that strengthen overall urban resilience. Climate change also threatens urban biodiversity and can worsen air quality. Green roofs counteract this by creating habitats and promoting biodiversity, as well as filtering dust and pollutants from the air. These co-benefits not only improve the urban ecosystem but also directly increase the quality of life for residents through cleaner air, more exposure to nature, and noise reduction. This multifunctionality is a key advantage of green roofs. The ability to simultaneously address several pressing urban problems such as heat, heavy rain, biodiversity loss, air pollution, and high energy consumption with a single measure makes them a particularly attractive and potentially cost-effective adaptation strategy. This integrated approach can promote political and societal acceptance and help ensure optimal and multiple use of often scarce urban space. Combining solar green roofs with photovoltaics further increases this area efficiency by combining the functions of climate adaptation, biodiversity and energy generation.

5. Green roofs as a future strategy for Germany

An analysis of the key findings of the Copernicus ESOTC 2024 report and the scientific findings on the effects of green roofs clearly demonstrates that green roofs represent a sound and effective strategy for adapting to the already noticeable and increasingly severe consequences of climate change in Germany. They specifically address the key challenges of increasing heat extremes and heavy rainfall events. Their distinctive multifunctionality, which, in addition to primary adaptation benefits, also generates significant ecological (biodiversity, air quality), economic (energy savings, longer roof lifespans, reduced wastewater charges), and social (quality of life, health, aesthetics) benefits, makes them a valuable tool for sustainable and resilient urban development.

Context: Existing strategies and funding landscape: The potential of green roofs is increasingly recognized in Germany. Many municipalities have identified the benefits and promote the installation of green roofs through financial grants or advisory services (e.g., Hamburg; further examples can be found in [link to context].) There are numerous funding programs at the municipal, state, and federal levels, for example, through the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) or the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAFA). In addition, regulatory instruments create incentives or obligations. The split wastewater fee, in which the stormwater fee depends on the sealed area, rewards green roofs with fee reductions. More and more cities are enshrining regulations on green roofs in development plans or municipal statutes, particularly for new buildings. Berlin, for example, introduced a requirement to green at least 60 percent of all newly constructed roof areas as of January 1, 2024. Despite these positive developments, however, the current funding and regulatory landscape also has weaknesses. Funding programs are often fragmented, vary significantly between municipalities and levels, and the application process can involve significant bureaucratic effort. This poses a particular hurdle for private individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A coherent, easily accessible, and more uniform nationwide funding strategy is currently lacking. In particular, the promising combination of green roofs and solar energy (solar green roofs) is often not explicitly or sufficiently supported. This fragmented and sometimes complex funding landscape hinders the realization of the full potential of green roofs and slows widespread implementation, even though the benefits are scientifically proven and the need for adaptation is obvious.

Recommendations for increased implementation: To fully exploit the potential of green roofs as a climate adaptation strategy in Germany, concerted efforts are required at various levels:

Integration into urban planning and building regulations: Green roofs should be incorporated into urban and regional planning concepts as an integral component of green and blue infrastructure. The mandatory requirement for green roofs in development plans and municipal regulations, especially for new buildings and major renovations, should be expanded and standardized.

Optimization and harmonization of funding: Transparent, more easily accessible, and more harmonized funding programs are needed at the federal and state levels to minimize administrative burdens. Funding should specifically focus more on multifunctional roof uses such as solar green roofs, biodiversity roofs, and retention roofs, and reward their synergistic effects. The diverse co-benefits (biodiversity, health, air quality, etc.) should be given greater weight in cost-benefit assessments and funding criteria.

Research, development, and monitoring: Further research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of green roofs under specific German climatic conditions, to develop optimal system designs for different requirements (e.g., maximum cooling, maximum retention, maximum biodiversity), and to improve the quantification of co-benefits. The development and testing of innovative approaches, such as the integration of new materials or planting concepts (e.g., edible plants), should be supported. Systematic monitoring of implemented green roof areas and their effects is essential for monitoring success and further developing strategies.

Raising awareness and providing expert advice: The diverse benefits and practical implementation options of green roofs must be communicated more effectively to relevant target groups such as developers, architects, planners, tradespeople, and the general public. Expanding qualified advisory services can help reduce uncertainty and ensure professional planning and implementation.

Conclusion: The increasingly severe consequences of climate change, which were impressively confirmed in the Copernicus ESOTC 2024 report, require decisive action to adapt, particularly in Germany's vulnerable urban areas. Green roofs represent an essential component in this process. They are far more than an aesthetic enhancement – ​​they are a scientifically sound, multifunctional technology that demonstrably contributes to mitigating heat stress and managing heavy rainfall events. The numerous benefits in the areas of biodiversity, air quality, energy efficiency, and quality of life make them a synergistic solution with significant ecological and economic potential. However, to fully exploit this potential and make a significant contribution to creating climate-resilient and livable cities in Germany, ambitious policies, optimized and harmonized funding instruments, and broad and professional implementation in new and existing buildings are required. Investing in green roofs is an investment in a sustainable and resilient urban environment.

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