The European Union recognizes the importance of green roofs. Yet subsidy schemes are largely left to the member states themselves. Fortunately more and more European countries are also recognizing the importance of sedum roofs. On this page we take a closer look at the European regulations concerning green roofs and explain which regulations already exist.
In 2021, the European Commission adopted the new EU “Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change,” a strategy outlining how Europe can adapt to (the effects of) climate change. Green roofs are an important part of this strategy and Europe is urged to invest more in nature-based solutions, such as green roofs. According to the strategy, Europe must prepare its buildings for climate change, for example by local water storage to counter the ‘urban heat island effect’. This is an effect that occurs when there is little green space in a built environment, causing it to become very hot. There are several programs running in Europe that provide subsidies for green roofs to help the strategy as well.
Interreg is a European subsidy scheme for spatial and regional development. Parties from different countries work together on the projects covered by Interreg. The purpose of the program is to encourage European cooperation and to counter border barriers. The scheme has also subsidized green roofs, for example in the Sponge 2020 project in Antwerp.
Under Intterreg is 2 Seas, a collaboration between England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. 2 Seas has subsidized several green roof projects within these countries.
LIFE is a European subsidy program for environmental and climate projects and has been running since 1992. LIFE distinguishes between four components within which the subsidy is distributed: nature, environment, climate and circular economy. Green roof projects can also be (partially) financed through this program. For example, the municipality of Rotterdam has set up the LIFE UrbanAdapt project in cooperation with WWF and Rijkswaterstaat, which includes green roofs.
The Sustainable Social Real Estate (DUMAVA) investment subsidy is a Dutch subsidy for social real estate. It allows buildings that have a social purpose, such as a museum, to make their building more sustainable in order to reduce energy consumption and contribute to climate goals. Green roofs can also receive subsidies within this scheme.
Do you have any questions concerning the different regulations or can we advise on the suitable green roof system? Please let us know. We are happy to assist.
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