The obligation to green roofs is here
On January 1, 2024, a new building code will come into force in Berlin, among other places, which requires green roofs. Accordingly, all suitable areas of new buildings with a roof pitch of up to ten degrees must be greened. For a roof pitch of up to five degrees, a Intensive greening can be done, and extensive greening can be done at a slope of five to ten degrees.
The reason: They help improve the urban climate by reducing heat islands and improving air quality. They can also contribute to rainwater management and create habitats for plants and animals.
Ecological benefits of green roofs
Green roofs can help improve the urban climate. They reflect sunlight and store heat, which can reduce heat islands. This is an important contribution to adapting to climate change, as heat islands can lead to health problems and damage to buildings.
Green roofs can help improve air quality. They filter air pollutants from the air and produce oxygen. This is especially important in densely populated cities where air quality is often compromised.
Social benefits of green roofs
Green roofs can create habitats for plants and animals. They provide food and shelter for birds, insects and other animals. This can help improve biodiversity in cities.
Here, the obligation to green roofs already applies
The obligation to green roofs is regulated in the respective state building regulations or in municipal statutes. In Germany, there are already some cities and municipalities where green roofs are mandatory. Other cities and municipalities will follow these regulations in 2024 and 2025. These cities include:
Berlin : In Berlin, green roofs are mandatory for all new buildings with a roof area of more than 100 square meters. It is mandatory to green at least 60 percent of the roof area of new buildings.
Hamburg : In Hamburg, green roofs are mandatory for all new buildings with a roof area of more than 200 square meters.
Munich : In Munich, green roofs are mandatory for all new buildings with a roof area of more than 250 square meters.
Stuttgart : In Stuttgart, green roofs are mandatory for all new buildings with a roof area of more than 150 square meters.
Frankfurt am Main : For new buildings with a floor area of more than 500 square meters, at least 50 percent of the roof area must be greened.
Cologne : For buildings with a roof area of more than 500 square meters that are newly constructed or renovated, at least 50 percent of the roof area must be greened.
Leipzig : The city of Leipzig requires that all flat roofs of new buildings and modifications to existing buildings be covered in greenery.
Exceptions to the green roof requirement
As a rule, there are exceptions to the green roof requirement. These exceptions are regulated in the respective state building regulations or in municipal statutes. The exceptions include, among others:
- Buildings that are listed as historical monuments
- Buildings used for public transport or for the operation of technical facilities
- Buildings that cannot be greened due to their location or use
- Roofs with a roof pitch of more than ten degrees
Advantages of green roofs
Green roofs have benefits for both the environment and people. These include:
Improving the urban climate : Green roofs can improve the urban climate through shade and evaporation.
Reducing surface water runoff: Green roofs can reduce surface water runoff by absorbing rainwater.
Improving air quality : Green roofs can improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
Increasing biodiversity : Green roofs can increase biodiversity by creating habitats for plants and animals.
In addition to the ecological and social benefits mentioned above, green roofs can also offer the following advantages:
- Improving sound insulation
- Increase in residential value
- Reducing energy costs
We at Efeuria have prepared ourselves for the obligation to green roofs
We have adapted to the new regulations and offer simple solutions for the greening of flat and slightly sloping roofs. We have a selection of ready-made green roof systems that you can buy online and have delivered to your home fully cultivated.
The MobiRoof Sedum cassette system
The cassettes are delivered fully cultivated and can be laid directly on the roof. The advantage: The cassettes are fully grown and only need to be laid on the roof. You can simply remove the cassettes again if you want to carry out repairs on the roof. There is no need to remove substrate or soil with a shovel, replace filter foils, etc. Our cassettes are the simplest solution for meeting the regulations and at the same time creating an innovative and aesthetic green roof.
