As part of its overall strategy to become a carbon neutral city by 2025, Copenhagen has become the first Scandanavian city to adopt a policy that requires green roofs for all new buildings with roof slopes of less than 30 degrees. Copenhagen presently has 20,000 square meters (over 215,000 square feet) of flat roofs. It is hoped that as much as 5,000 square meters of new development each year will be covered with vegetation.
Vegetated roofs, or green roofs, provide several benefits for buildings and their surroundings. They can absorb as much as 80% of rainfall, helping to reduce stress on stormwater systems. They help reduce urban temperatures (the “heat island effect“). And, they protect roof membranes from the sun’s UV rays and the greatest temperature swings, such that roof membrane life is extended as much as double that of an unprotected membrane.
Via LivingRoofs.org
Thanks for the tip @mona_jensen!
That 215,000 square feet of roof is about 4 acres, BTW.
This needs to be mandatory everywhere.
Saludos cordiales.
La idea de techos verdes no es algo nuevo pero actualmente tiene la consciencia de la conservación del ambiente, lo que le da fuerza y vigor.
Pero…
Es importante notar que en un principio el racionalismo lo planteó como un lugar de ocio, deporte y decoración.
Hoy, debemos ir mas allá de aquello.
La idea de jardines como tales, es obsoleta y tiende a perder sentido cuando muere el ánimo de quién lo cuida.
Pensar en “HUERTOS” es mucho mas sensato y beneficioso.
Un lugar verde, que aparte de embellecer, permita abastecerse y comer de él es lo mejor.
Atentamente
Erick Bojorque
I expect a lot more inclined roofs on Copenhagen\’s new buildings
I have always loved Copenhagen! I can’t wiat to see their new green roofs.
This is great news for green roof advocates, but what about existing suitable roofs? Is there a policy or incentives for encouraging the retrofitting of green roofs? One would think that there would be more environmental benefits by covering the vast majority of what already exists?
I feel so sad that Mexico is SO FAR from this.
Yucatan is developing very fast and its all about the American chains and Malls, so lots of parking and no trees.
Big new home developments, thousands of mini-homes with avenues and NO TREES!!
I cant get over the fact that there are now laws here…
We can only do our thing and keep on planting all the trees we can where we are allowed.
Lucky you developed countries!
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