A new model of “urban forestation” to reduce energy costs

A new model of “urban forestation” to reduce energy costs

At EIMA, the international agricultural machinery exhibition in Bologna (Italy), the World Green Infrastructure Network presented proposals for new standards on green areas in rural, commercial and public building renovations and new construction.

The association’s proposals revolve around the definition of new parameters for the renovation of commercial, rural and public buildings and for new residential constructions. These parameters should stimulate, through tax and financial incentives, a more rapid reduction in energy costs in the wake of the objectives set by the European Commission.

In particular, according to WGIN, green areas should be integrated in new zero-emission buildings and combined with installations of renewable energy systems: a combination that increases energy efficiency by between 5 and 10%. In addition, as regards the renovation of public, commercial and rural buildings, the introduction of a minimum green area standard should become indispensable to improve environmental mitigation measures.

“The time has come for Italy, with the support of other EU countries, to seriously promote a real European Green Deal for climate mitigation in urban areas,” said Riccardo Rigolli, agronomist and board member of WGIN.

Read more

Follow us on our social channels.

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

NEW

LATEST POSTS

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.

European Green Infrastructure Day 2025

European Green Infrastructure Day (EGIDay) is the Brussels based policy conference dedicated to exchange views on the state of affairs of urban green infrastructure in the EU and how to unlock their multiple benefits, for citizens, businesses and the environment. The fourth edition of the EGIDay took place on the 24th of April 2025. The event gathered in person EU policymakers, urban green infrastructure experts, local authorities and NGOs to discuss how to turn European cities from grey to green, contributing to climate adaptation and water resilience of Europe’s urban areas.  Speakers: Moderated by Luigi Petito, Head of European Chapter Secretariat, World Green Infrastructure Network Humberto Delgado Rosa, Director for Biodiversity, DG Environment Jutta Paulus, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Greens/EFA Emily Bankert, Researcher, Buildings Performance Institute Europe Sirpa Pietikäinen, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the European People’s Party Jure Šumi, President of Management Committee & Member of Advisory Board, World Green Infrastructure Network Read the event report Take a look at the photos Download the full programme