Green roofs are a modern and climate friendly solution, providing citizens with green breathing spaces high above on the roof tops. The plants transform otherwise warm and impenetrable roof surfaces into green, life-giving oases which permit animals and green plants to live and grow in a friendly habitat.
The green roofs contribute effectively to urban climate adaptation. With a growth of minute plants, the roofs function as absorbent sponges when it rains. Consequently, the green roofs reduce and delay the downpour, thereby taking the pressure of large amounts of water off the sewers and drains. Small plants, such as for instance sedums and sempervivums, can absorb 60-80% of the rain that falls on the roof.
Green roofs save energy and prevent carbon emissions. A green roof insulates more effectively against both cold and heat with a consequent reduction in energy consumption both in terms of heating and air conditioning – and thus fewer carbon emissions.
Green roofs look good; they change colours in harmony with the seasons and may also serve as green recreational areas near residential quarters in high-density cities.
Green roofs add a cost of 600 DKK or more to each square metre, depending on the type of plants and the solution chosen the builder. This amount is equivalent to an increase of less than 0.5% per square metre in a multi-storey building. On the plus side, the lifetime of the roof is doubled because the plants provide a protective shield against the damaging effects of ultraviolet rays. Moreover, the costs of heating and airconditioning decrease. More on the financial consequences (in Danish)
The City of Copenhagen has an ambitious plan to make Copenhagen carbon neutral by 2025. Laying out more green roofs in the city is part of this plan, and 150,000 m2 by 2015 would be an impressive achievement. A debate on green roofs has been initiated in order to draw attention to this new climate friendly solution, and we have provided input on it to the municipal plan, local plans and, not least, the Climate Plan.More on green roofs and climate adaptation in Copenhagen On 17 May 2010, the Technical and Environmental Committee decided that all new buildings with flat roofs must be planted with green vegetation according to a set of detailed guidelines. These guidelines will be included in the next district plan in 2012. ‘Guidelines on green roofs’ in brief
In recent years, green roofs have been landscaped in Copenhagen in several places, both on new and existing buildings. For example, a 7,200 m2 roof garden was laid out on the new National Archives at Kalvebod Brygge.List of green roofs in Copenhagen
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