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
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.
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 (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
PIISA (Piloting Innovation Insurance Solutions for Adaptation) is a Horizon Europe project that brings together 12 organization’s from 5 European countries, and is co-developing climate resilient insurance portfolios. The project consists of several pilots, including one that aims to provide cost-benefit analyses of green roofs as a climate change adaptation option in the main pilot location in the Netherlands. The effectiveness of insurance solutions to stimulate the adoption of green roofs are being tested in this pilot as well, e.g. information provision and insurance premium discounts. Various enablers and barriers of the uptake of green roofs are being examined as well. Based on this work, public-private partnerships will be identified to investigate sustainable finance arrangements that stimulate investments in green roofs. Business models for the Europe insurance industry will also be developed for the upscaling of nature-based solutions for climate risk. Using expert interviews and workshops it is also being examined how the results for the Netherlands are transferable to other pilot regions, i.e. the Boreal and Mediterranean, using qualitative analysis. Insurers, e.g. Interpolis, have been involved in the co-creation process for the research in the pilot. Furthermore, (potential) policy holders have been involved in the research process through economic experiments within which the (biodiversity, flood risk reduction, etc.) values of green roofs and the effectiveness of insurance solutions to stimulate the adoption of green roofs have been tested. Insurers, municipalities, water authorities and real estate institutions are being involved in the identification and development of public-private partnerships of sustainable finance arrangements for investments in green roofs. City policymakers and insurers are being interviewed and included in workshops in the Netherlands, and the Boreal and Mediterranean regions to examine how costs and benefits of green roofs differ, and whether additional barriers and enablers should be considered in the scaling up of green roofs as an insurance solution. Partners involved: Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit (VU) Amsterdam(Lead) Climate Adaptation Services (CAS) Finnish Meteorological Institute(FMI) Tyrsky Consulting Politecnicodi Milano (Polimi) For more information visit: https://piisa-project.eu/pilot1
WGIN member iCARI kick-starts RE-URBANEX, a large-scale, EU-based public-private research project focused on long-term climate adaptation of built-up areas and building stock renewal. The current project evaluation exceeds €1.5 million and continues to grow, supported by a major PPP grant from STRABAG – one of Europe’s leading construction companies. Coordinated by iCARI and located on a 19,000 m² campus in Brno (Czech Republic), the project combines advanced data science, interdisciplinary collaboration, and high-frequency environmental monitoring. The aim is to test and verify real-world adaptation strategies: vegetation-based cooling, rainwater management, albedo optimization, indoor and outdoor air quality, and emission reduction. CzechGlobe, a top-tier climate change institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences, provides the project’s scientific backbone. Within the RE-URBANEX project, we explore a broad range of climate adaptation solutions and interactions, including green, blue, and grey infrastructure, the impact of urban heat islands, primary energy sources, BioSolar systems (combining greenery and photovoltaics), excess energy storage (including in the form of ice produced from harvested rainwater), indoor environmental quality, air quality, architectural and design strategies, and other innovative components. A dedicated part of the research also focuses on communicating results with an emphasis on practical application. RE-URBANEX is a living lab for cities, researchers, and companies ready to co-create tested, scalable solutions for climate resilience – backed by 15-minute interval measurements, running 7/24/365 over three years. The platform aims to expose and replace ineffective greenwashing with transparent and verifiable results. Timeline: October 2024 – December 2027 Key Deliverables: Climate-Sustainable Campus Plan Adaptation Handbook for Building Renewal Policy Recommendations for Municipalities & States Evidence-Based ESG Report for Public Institutions Guidelines for PPP Design and EU Funding Alignment Educational and Participatory Outputs Call for Technology Partners: If you develop innovative technologies for climate adaptation in urban environments and want to test them under real operational conditions – backed by detailed data and expert evaluation – RE-URBANEX offers a unique opportunity to become part of one of Europe’s most relevant adaptation projects. More information: www.icari.eu/reurbanex
WGIN’s collaboration partner, AIPH, has published the spring edition of their Global Green City Update. You can read it here. This edition includes a variety of key updates and initiatives, such as: An update on the signatory follow-up for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework The ISOCARP Manifesto for New Regenerative Cities ICLEI’s work on sustainable public procurement The Trees and Design Action Group (TDAG) Seminar Series Building the Future City Auckland – insights into urban sustainability The Global Youth Climate Summit The AIPH Green City Briefing Webinar on April 10th WGIN’s European Green Infrastructure Day The 4th World Congress on Forests and Parks for Public Health And much more on urban greening, biodiversity, and sustainability Explore the latest developments shaping the future of green cities!
The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) has joined the WGIN Working Group on the reconstruction of post-conflict areas. Representing IFLA in this initiative is Dr. Maria Gabriella Trovato, an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and the Program Leader of the International Master’s Program in Landscape Architecture for Global Sustainability. Dr. Maria Gabriella Trovato is a distinguished expert in landscape planning, spatial development, and the reconstruction of territories affected by conflicts and environmental crises. She has extensive experience in integrating nature-based solutions into the restoration of urban and natural landscapes. She is the Founder and Director of the Eastern Mediterranean Landscape Observatory (EMLO), a member of the UNISCAPE Executive Board, and the Chair of Landscape Architects Without Borders (IFLA). Her research focuses on landscape restoration in emergency contexts, urban adaptation to climate change, and the development of inclusive and resilient public spaces. The participation of IFLA in this working group represents a strategic step toward embedding nature-based solutions into the reconstruction of post-conflict territories. With the number of regions affected by armed conflicts and socio-political upheavals increasing globally, the demand for sustainable and resilient reconstruction strategies has never been more urgent. A holistic approach—combining ecological restoration, climate resilience, and social reintegration—is essential to ensuring long-term stability and quality of life for affected communities. The collaboration between WGIN and IFLA aims to foster innovative strategies for land restoration, establish long-term planning frameworks, and contribute to the creation of sustainable and resilient urban environments. As post-conflict reconstruction becomes an increasingly critical global challenge, integrating landscape architecture and nature-based solutions into recovery efforts is paramount for achieving sustainable development. We invite organizations to collaborate in the development of innovative solutions for post-conflict territory restoration. If you are interested in contributing or proposing joint initiatives, please contact us at oleksandra.strashok@uagin.org.
© Sempergreen Services and BrightView Løren Elementary School in Oslo has taken a significant step toward sustainability by integrating solar energy technology with its existing green roof. The challenge was to install solar panels while preserving the biodiversity and structural integrity of the roof. Thanks to a collaboration between Sempergreen and Over Easy Solar, an innovative solution was implemented: lightweight vertical PV units that enhance energy output without compromising the Sedum roof. This groundbreaking renovation sets a new standard for urban sustainability. Advancing Sustainable EducationWith 750 students, Løren Elementary School prioritizes environmental responsibility. In 2022, the school aimed to advance its sustainability efforts by transforming its green roof into an energy-generating ecosystem. The goal was to maintain biodiversity while harnessing solar power, ensuring a functional and eco-friendly learning environment. Overcoming Challenges with Smart DesignThe biggest hurdle was finding a lightweight solar solution that seamlessly integrated with the existing Sedum roof while staying within the building’s load-bearing limits. The school needed a system that preserved the greenery’s quality, efficiently produced energy, and utilized cutting-edge technology.Løren School is now a role model for urban sustainability, demonstrating that solar energy and rooftop biodiversity can coexist. Sempergreen & Over Easy Solar’s Unique ApproachIn partnership with Over Easy Solar, Sempergreen provided a lightweight, prefabricated VPV system specifically designed for green roofs. This innovation not only facilitated smooth integration but also enhanced the performance of both the Sedum vegetation and the solar panels. How the System Works Vertical Double-Sided Solar Panels: Capture sunlight from both sides, maximizing energy production. Cooling & Reflective Effects: The Sedum roof cools the panels, while its reflective properties (albedo effect) boost efficiency. Biodiversity Protection: The system ensures the green roof remains healthy and functional under the panels. Project Highlights Smart Synergy: The Sedum roof enhances solar panel performance while thriving beneath the PV units. Lightweight & Load-Friendly: The system weighs only 51 kg/m² when fully saturated, ideal for weight-sensitive structures. Fast & Easy Installation: Ballast-free design allows quick assembly without mechanical fastenings. Scalability & Growth: Following the successful 2022 pilot, the project expanded in 2023, reaching 46 kWp across 500 m². Urban Sustainability Model: A leading example of how cities can integrate green roofs and renewable energy. Delivering Energy-Efficient ResultsThe combination of green roofs and vertical PV panels has produced impressive results. The 2022 pilot demonstrated high energy yields, and surprisingly, the quality of the green roof improved beneath the panels compared to uncovered sections. Encouraged by these outcomes, the school expanded the project in 2023, solidifying its commitment to sustainability. The unique VPV system from Over Easy Solar optimizes energy production by balancing output throughout the day, reducing CO₂ emissions, and increasing overall efficiency. Løren School’s green roof solar project is a shining example of how urban spaces can embrace sustainability without compromise, leading the way for future innovations.
The next EFB Open Meeting – European Update will take place on 25 February 2025 from 17:00 – 19:00 CET. The EFB Open Meetings aim to provide a platform for all members of our member associations to come together, acquire and share knowledge, discuss industry trends, and foster collaboration within the green roof and wall community across Europe.The meeting is open and free of charge for all the members of the EFB Member Associations and Partnering Organizations. Meeting agenda Moderator: Dusty Gedge, Ambassador of the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) Speakers: Paulo Palha, President of the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) Egbert Roozen, secretary general of European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA), SoGreen Alliance Renata Pollini, Head of Nature at Holcim Felix Mollenhauer, Project Work Coordinator at BuGG Bundesverband GebäudeGrün e. V. Find the full agenda here. Register here for the Open Meeting. The link to the meeting will be sent only to the registered participants one day before the event. Feel free to reach out with any questions via email at: office@efb-greenroof.eu
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