European Green Infrastructure Day 2021

European Green Infrastructure Day 2021

Policymakers, experts and representatives of national associations and green infrastructure industry discussed the state of affairs of urban green infrastructure in the European Union in a unique policy conference.

Urban green infrastructure, such as vegetated roofs and walls, can greatly support green economic recovery and Europe’s transition to a more sustainable and resilient society. This clearly emerged from the insightful discussions of the first European Green Infrastructure Day, hosted by the EU Chapter of the World Green Infrastructure Network throughout 27 May 2021. 

The panels focused on urban biodiversity, green and efficient buildings, financing green infrastructure, exchanging best green roofs practices across Europe, green infrastructure and climate adaptation, and how to build more sustainable, healthier and human-centred cities. 

Among the speakers were: 

  • Virginijus Sinkevičius, EU Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries 
  • Stefano Boeri, Founding Partner, Studio Boeri Architetti 
  • Veronica Manfredi, Director for Quality of Life, DG Environment, European Commission 
  • Xavier Troussard, Head of Unit, New European Bauhaus, European Commission 
  • Aurelie Beauvais, Deputy CEO and Policy Director, Solar Power Europe 
  • Blaz Kurnik, Head of Climate Adaptation and LULUCF, European Environment Agency 

View the full programme here.
You can watch the event recordings below and on our YouTube channel

recordings:

  1. Opening remarks
  2. Green and blue over grey to increase urban biodiversity
  3. Turning buildings into carbon sink to drive the energy and climate transition
  4. Financing urban green infrastructure
  5. What’s up in Europe? News and views from across the EU
  6. Green infrastructure for climate adaptation: how to improve cities’ resilience by restoring the natural water cycle
  7. Let’s design human-centered, healthy and sustainable cities
  8. Conclusions

Follow us on our social channels.

Follow us on the channel that best suits you to receive our latest updates!

NEW

LATEST POSTS

Save the date: World Green Infrastructure Congress 2026

Join us at: World Green Infrastructure Congress BARCELONA 2026 October 27–29: CCIB – Parc del Fòrum, Barcelona (Spain) October 30: University of Lleida – Catalunya (Spain) Organized by: University of Lleida Co-organized by the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN). Visit WGIC26.Barcelona

Resilience by design? Future-proofing urban environments through green roofs

We are happy to present the WGIN European Chapter latest White Paper, which explores the numerous benefits of green roofs as part of sustainable urban green infrastructure. This document provides an in-depth overview of the benefits of green infrastructure solutions, featuring real case studies that highlight their positive environmental, social and economic impacts. It also outlines the crucial role the European Union has been playing and can continue to play in supporting the widespread adoption of these solutions through effective policies and robust regulatory frameworks. Luigi Petito, Head of Secretariat of WGIN European Chapter: “We are pleased to have access to a powerful new paper highlighting the broad benefits of urban green infrastructure. This will be especially valuable for our ongoing work on the follow-up to the European Water Resilience Strategy and the forthcoming European Climate Adaptation Plan”. Explore the full White Paper here.

WGIN Elects new President and Vice – President | Press Release

June 20, 2025: Brussels – The World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) is pleased to announce that Steven W. Peck, GRP, GRIMP, Honorary ASLA, founder and president of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (North America), has been elected as President of WGIN for a two-year term. Professor Marta Weber Siwirska, president of the Polish Green Roof Association was elected as the new Vice President. Professor Manfred Köhler, who has provided outstanding leadership in advancing green infrastructure across the globe as the President of WGIN will now serve as Past President for a two year term.  “Over the years, WGIN’s leader have worked to promote urban green infrastructure solutions thanks to the inspiring leadership and the huge knowledge of Professor Manfred Köhler. He helped the World Green Infrastructure Network to lay the foundation for where we stand today. As we look to the future, I am excited to work with Marta Weber-Siwirska and my new colleagues to continue the mission of rapidly deploying green roofs, walls and other forms of green infrastructure in cities worldwide”. Said Steven W. Peck, in reflecting on this important milestone in WGIN’s development. In addition to the new President, WGIN is proud to welcome several new members to its Advisory Board. Read here the full Press Release.