The obligation to green roofs is here
On January 1, 2024, a new building code will come into force in Berlin, among other cities, which stipulates mandatory green roofs. According to this code, all suitable areas of new buildings with a roof pitch of up to ten degrees must be greened. Roof pitches of up to five degrees require intensive greening, while those between five and ten degrees require extensive greening.
The reason: They contribute to improving the urban climate by reducing heat islands and improving air quality. They can also contribute to stormwater 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 retain heat, thereby reducing heat islands. This is an important contribution to climate change adaptation, as heat islands can lead to health problems and damage to buildings.
Green roofs can help improve air quality. They filter 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 contribute to improving biodiversity in cities.
Here the obligation to green roofs already applies
The obligation to green roofs is regulated by the respective state building regulations or municipal statutes. In Germany, several cities and municipalities already have a green roof requirement. 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. At least 60 percent of the roof area of new buildings must be greened.
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 more than 500 square meters of floor space, 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 low-pitched roofs of new buildings and modifications to existing buildings be greened.
Exceptions to the green roof requirement
There are generally exceptions to the green roof requirement. These exceptions are regulated in the respective state building regulations or municipal statutes. These 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 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 shading and evaporation.
Reduction of 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've adapted to the new regulations and offer simple solutions for greening flat and slightly pitched roofs. We offer a selection of ready-made green roof systems that you can purchase online and have delivered to your home, fully cultivated.
The MobiRoof Sedum cassette system
The cassettes are delivered fully cultivated and can be installed directly on the roof. The advantage: The cassettes are fully grown and only need to be installed on the roof. You can easily remove the cassettes if you need to make repairs to the roof. There's no need to remove substrate or soil with a shovel, replace filter membranes, etc. Our cassettes are the simplest solution for meeting regulations while simultaneously creating an innovative and aesthetic green roof.
