Green Roofs, Copenhagen
Green roofs are a modern and climate friendly solution, providing citizens with green breathing spaces way up on the roof tops. The plants transform otherwise warm and impenetrable roof surfaces into green, life-giving oases which provide a friendly habitat for animals and green plants.
Summary
In 2008, the Green Roofs project was propelled into the orbit of
the City of Copenhagen’s urban development and since then things
have moved quickly. The interest shown by manufacturers has been
enormous, and scientific institutions have also taken the concept
into their research and development. The new, sustainable city
district of North Harbour, which is part of the climate adaptation
in the Copenhagen Climate Plan, is the perfect place to try out the
Green Roofs. These are also an excellent way of dealing with
rainwater in districts which are already in existence and at the
same time they raise the recreational value of the place. The
vegetation is planned for flat roofs (less than a 30o – there are
about 20,000 m2 of such roofs in Copenhagen) which, through the
green layer, absorb a large percentage of the rainwater.
Issue
The importance of green roofs is increasing Europe-wide, because it is one of the best ways to moderate the negative effects of the highly populated urban areas. Green roofs provide oxygen, cool down the urban air temperature and slow down water run-offs. Spreading the use of green roofs can be an excellent way to fight against climate change.
Approach
There is an ambitious plan for Copenhagen to be CO2 neutral by 2025. As part of the plan, the City of Copenhagen works towards getting more green roofs in the city. The main objective is to get 150,000 m2 of green roofs by 2015. A debate on green roofs has been initiated which has drawn attention to them. The city has contributed to the municipal plan, local plans and not least, to the climate plan.
Results
The plan is that new development should add 5000 m2 per year. By now around 30 buildings have green roofs, but in the future an increasing tendency of using green roofs is expected.
Organisation
City of Copenhagen, Technical and Environmental Administration, Parks and Nature Department.
Project start date
2008
Project end date
2025
Contributing country
Denmark
Covering city
Copenhagen
Contact person
Dorthe Rømø
Telephone: 0045 3366 5843
E-mail: dorrom@tmf.kk.dk
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