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EU chapter

Policy Guidance: Making European Cities healthier, more resilient and beautiful

  WGIN’s European Chapter and EFB have released a new set of implementation guidelines to support the national adoption of European legislation. The document provides practical guidance on how to implement legal provisions that can accelerate the deployment of green roofs and green walls, generating multiple benefits for people, cities, and the environment, including climate resilience, increased biodiversity and enhanced urban wellbeing. They offer direction on implementing key EU legislative instruments: Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) With scientific evidence and a set of practical steps, the document shows how effective implementation of green roofs and walls can support meeting EU obligations and climate goals. Download the full paper here.

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Latest News

New Award Program for Landscape Architecture

The International Federation of Landscape Architects, one of WGIN’s organizational collaboration partners, is presently launching a new award program. Nominations will be accepted until June 1st. Winners will be announced in Hong Kong at the IFLA World Congress in the last week of October, 2026. The IFLA GLA Awards celebrate the projects, policies, and people shaping a resilient future. Entry submissions here. Awards GuidelinesThe IFLA Global Landscape Architecture Awards are designed to recognize the diverse, impactful work of landscape architects worldwide. From Indigenous stewardship to high-tech climate resilience, we are elevating the voices that matter. Key Information Eligibility: Open to landscape architecture practices, individuals, and multi-disciplinary teams as well as students worldwide. Projects must be completed (or published) between Jan 2021 and June 2026. Deadlines– Early Bird: 15 April 202– Standard: 15 May 2026– Final: 1 June 2026 Fees: A Tiered Fee Structure based on the World Bank Income Groups will be used to ensure fair access for professionals in all regions. Award Categories The IFLA Awards program has significant overlap with WGIN’s World Green Infrastructure Awards, and is structured into 18 diverse categories: Climate & Environment: Climate Action, Desertification, Nature Conservation, Water Security, Energy-Efficient Design. Community & Justice: Ethics & Equity, Indigenous Knowledge, Migration & Inclusive Communities, Children & Youth, Age-Friendly Communities. Planning & Culture: Landscapes for Cities, Heritage, Food Systems, International Landscape Convention. Practice & Future: Technology & Innovation, Urban Health, Resilience and Disaster Risk Reduction, Young Landscape Architects. Those who submit nominations for the WGIN Awards are encouraged to consider also participating in the IFLA Awards program. For information or suggestions about organizational collaboration between IFLA and WGIN please contact WGIN Advisory Board Member David Brasfield.

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events

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

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Latest News

WGIC26 – Closing the gap between communities of practice for green infrastructure and health

  WGIN’s mission statement is “The World Green Infrastructure Network advocates for optimal use of green infrastructure in the urban built environment for the health and well-being of people and the planet.” WGIN has in recent years acknowledged a gap in the attention we’ve given to the human health and well-being benefits of urban green infrastructure. The next World Green Infrastructure Congress, WGIC26, in Barcelona in October 2026 will address this gap by dedicating one of its three thematic tracks to health and well-being. Our congress hosts, the University of Lleida, expect this track will contribute to increased focus on health and well-being within our community of practice, and will hopefully contribute to increased interdisciplinary collaboration with the health sector. WGIN members and stakeholders are encouraged to support and help distribute the soon to be published call for papers for WGIC26 through their websites, social media and personal networks and to assist in recruiting the health community to join us in Barcelona. Through stronger interdisciplinary collaboration we can foster greater recognition and support for urban and building integrated green infrastructure and its relevance in health research, policies and practices. The socioeconomic system seen through the One Health lens. Source

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EU chapter

Green Street Standards – A Breakthrough in Urban Green and Blue Infrastructure (Wrocław, Poland)

Local stormwater management in a rain garden collecting runoff from S. Drabika Street, Wrocław (Poland). (Photo: J. Rubaszek). Planning and designing green and blue infrastructure (GBI) as an integral part of urban streets – as is widely recognised – requires support in terms of organisation, funding, legislation and social awareness. As demonstrated by the case of Wrocław – one of the fastest-growing cities in Poland – standards can serve as an effective tool for supporting the implementation of GBI. These standards include guidelines and model solutions that integrate spatial, technical, and environmental aspects. Before establishing these standards, introducing green and blue infrastructure to Wrocław’s streets – even in newly planned projects – posed significant challenges. The main obstacles included insufficient space, the location of underground utility networks in areas that could otherwise accommodate trees, and relatively low public awareness of the importance of creating proper conditions for vegetation, especially large street trees. Read the full article here. 

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Latest News

Presenting WGIN National Association Member Dr. Ali Al Jassim and the Society of Sustainability & Green Materials (SSGM)

Dr. Ali Al Jassim is a distinguished leader in sustainability and green building innovation, widely recognized for his pioneering role in advancing sustainable development across the Middle East and internationally. As Founder and Chairman of the Society of Sustainability & Green Materials (SSGM), Dr. Al Jassim has established a platform that unifies corporate, academic, and individual stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices and green materials in the UAE and beyond. His vision is rooted in the belief that sustainability must be embedded into every aspect of urban development, from materials and supply chains to governance and community engagement. Mr. Musaed Mohamed Alblooshi – Inspector, Monitoring and Inspection Department, Regulatory and Licensing Sector, The Community Development Authority in Dubai along with Dr. Ali Al Jassim, Founder and Chairman of SSGM & Dr. Waleed Yagoub, Co-Founder and Treasurer of SSGM SSGM, launched in 2022 under the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, is a non-profit membership-driven organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and reducing CO₂ emissions. The Society provides technical guidance, free publications, training workshops, and direct collaboration with authorities to develop regulations that support sustainable growth. Its mission is to create a comprehensive database of green materials and foster awareness through education, engagement, and partnerships. Under Dr. Al Jassim’s leadership, SSGM has become a hub for innovation in sustainability. The Society offers a Green Materials Database and Library, enabling organizations to benchmark their products and services against international standards. Through its GSES Dashboard and Scorecards, members can measure, verify, and improve their sustainability performance, aligning with global frameworks such as the ISO 14064-1, ISO 50001, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Corporate members benefit from independent audits, consultancy tools, and access to procurement modules that integrate sustainability into supply chains. Individual and student members gain opportunities to participate in workshops, webinars, and knowledge-sharing activities, ensuring that the next generation of professionals is equipped to lead the sustainability transition. Dr. Al Jassim’s influence extends beyond SSGM. He was the Chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council and has served as Vice Chair of the World Green Building Council’s MENA Regional Network, where he has championed net-zero strategies and sustainable urban development. His leadership in initiatives such as the Circular Cities Summit 2.0 in Dubai highlights his commitment to integrating circular economy principles into urban planning, addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, air pollution, and resource efficiency. Through SSGM, Dr. Al Jassim has created a collaborative ecosystem that bridges government, academia, and industry. The Society’s activities—ranging from sustainability assessments to supply chain dashboards—reflect a holistic approach to environmental responsibility. By fostering partnerships and providing practical tools, SSGM ensures that organizations and individuals can contribute meaningfully to the UAE’s sustainability ambitions while gaining international recognition for their efforts. Dr. Ali Al Jassim’s work embodies the mission of the World Green Infrastructure Network: to advocate for sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban environments. His leadership at SSGM demonstrates how green materials and infrastructure can serve as catalysts for achieving global sustainability goals, making him and his organization valuable partners in advancing the shared vision of greener cities worldwide. For the World Green Infrastructure Network, with its vision, “Nature in cities for people and planet”, SSGM’s application of sustainability metrics offers an important and necessary pathway toward sustainability and greening of green infrastructure. As a member of the World Green Infrastructure Network, Dr. Al Jassim and SSGM are particularly interested in networking and collaboration around the challenges and opportunities related to: Advancing circular economic principles in urban planning and development projects. Developing supportive policies and regulations in partnership with government and regulatory authorities. Accelerating the adoption of green materials through comprehensive databases and benchmarking standards. Achieving carbon neutrality and reducing emissions in alignment with global frameworks such as ISO standards and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Integrating sustainability into supply chains via procurement tools and performance dashboards. Empowering future professionals through specialized training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Advancing green infrastructure innovation through integrated partnerships across public, private, and academic spheres. Organizing and participating in global events focused on sustainable and resilient cities. Inquiries to Dr. Al Jassim and SSGM may be addressed to:Email: aljassim0@gmail.com Phone: +971558000021

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events

BuGG World Congress on Greening Buildings 2026

BuGG is organising the World Congress on Greening Buildings  in Berlin from 9 to 11 June 2026. The event will explore all aspects of green buildings (roof, façade and interior greening) with the associated topics (including urban climate, rainwater management, sustainability, city of the future) and will be accompanied by a trade exhibition. On the third day of the congress, there will be the opportunity to take part in excursions to special projects in Berlin. The World Congress on Greening Buildings offers: Speakers from various countries Topics related to roof, facade, and interior greening A wide range of exhibitors at the accompanying trade exhibition A large number of cooperation and media partnerships (associations, organizations, institutions) Knowledge transfer and contacts for building greening  Demonstration of best practice examples Knowledge transfer by experts from the sector from home and abroad in parallel series of lectures and discussion rounds Networking. Meeting point. Addressing of new target groups Cross-thematic exchange of experience between city representatives, architects, urban planners, urban water management experts, industry and real estate representatives, manufacturers, processors, researchers, associations, politicians and other interested parties. The World Congress is organised by the Bundesverband GebäudeGrün e.V. (BuGG) with the support of international and national partners such as the European Federation of Green Roof & Wall Associations (EFB).  Find more information and register here.

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events

Webinar: Impact of military aggression in Ukraine on agroecosystems and natural phytocoenoses.

The third webinar of WGIN’s post-conflict research group on the impact of military aggression in Ukraine on agroecosystems and natural phytocoenoses will take place on the 31st of October at 14:00 CEST. Join to learn more about: Types of military operations taking place on the territory of Ukraine. Types of weapons used and their impact on agroecosystems and natural phytocoenoses. Studies of the impact of military operations on specific agricultural enterprises. Studies of the impact of military operations on agrophysical and agrochemical soil indicators in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions Transformation of natural ecosystems under the influence of military operations in Kyiv and Chernihiv regions of Ukraine. SpeakerAnna SalnikovaPhD in Ecology, Associate Professor, Department of Ecology, Radiobiology and Life Safety National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine Register here.

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Latest News

Introducing the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network (AGIN)

AGIN, a recently formed national/regional association for green infrastructure advocacy, joined the WGIN family in 2024. In 2025, AGIN President Gail Hall stepped down and was succeeded by Dr. Sebastian Pfautsch.  Sebastian presents his personal journey to green infrastructure advocacy, the Australasian Green Infrastructure Network and selected projects from AGIN’s members.                                                                                                                                                                                         Dr. Sebastian Pfautsch, recently elected President, Australasian Green                                                                                                   Infrastructure Network Read the whole story about AGIN – the (not so) new kid on the block.

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EU chapter

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.

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