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EU chapter

Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure joins WGIN

WGIN is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure as our newest national association member.  The Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure (Asociácia pre zelené strechy a zelenú infraštruktúru) is renowned for its advocacy of greening roofs, building walls, and other structural elements, as well as the incorporation of green infrastructure components, water management, and energy efficiency in urban areas. This aligns with the principles of sustainable construction, environmental preservation, and the reintroduction of green spaces within communities.  The Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure covers green roof associations in all 27 countries of the European Union, Great Britain, Norway, Switzerland and Serbia as well as cooperating with major universities. It has its own publishing activity and cooperates with top domestic and foreign experts, creating a methodology for the design, projection, implementation and maintenance of green roofs and green infrastructure.  Manfred Koehler, President of the World Green Infrastructure Network, commented:   “We are delighted to announce the addition of the Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure as a new national association member of WGIN. This partnership comes at a timely moment in the promotion and deployment of green infrastructure, both within the EU and beyond. We are excited to collaborate and work together on advancing this important agenda.”  Jan Rapan, Vice-President of the Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure stated:  “We are happy to announce our membership in the World Green Infrastructure Network. With our expertise in sustainable construction, environmental conservation, and the revitalization of green spaces in communities, we are enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate in advancing the urban green infrastructure agenda in the EU and on a global scale.”  MEDIA CONTACTS  Luigi Petito   Head of Secretariat  World Green Infrastructure Network – EU Chapter  luigi.petito@wgin.org  asociacia@zelenestrechy.org  Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure  ABOUT WGIN  The World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) is a collaborative global network promoting the integration of green infrastructure in urban planning. Since 2009, WGIN has expanded to represent 22 National Associations and has held 10 World Green Infrastructure Congresses. WGIN has established supportive working research committees and has an active board of directors representing 11 nations. In 2019, WGIN set up a European Chapter to raise awareness among EU policymakers about the multiple benefits of green infrastructure. Our motto is “vegetation makes it possible.”  Download the full PR in PDF format 

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EU chapter

Building Resilient and Green Futures With the European Union’s New Climate-Resilient Construction Guidance Document

Green roof top of sustainable library at Delft university. ID:1411972991 The European Commission’s recently published “EU-level technical guidance on adapting buildings to climate change” advocates for green roofs and walls, representing stride towards a sustainable and resilient future for EU urban areas. Read the full article by Luigi Petito in the autumn 2023 issue of Living Architecture Monitor. Read the EU Level Guidance Document on Adapting Buildings to Climate Change.

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Latest News

The vertical PV system for green roofs: Advantages that impress

© optigruen  OPTIGRÜN and SOLYCO offer builders, investors, designers, architects and municipalities a sophisticated and economical solution for sustainable urban development: The vertical PV System for green roofs. To improve the urban climate and design cities that are worth living in, various adaptation measures are necessary. Due to the shortage of space, the available roof areas must be used in a multifunctional way. A BIO-SOLAR ROOF unites the advantages of green roofs and photovoltaic systems. The symbiosis of the systems also creates additional positive effects. Combining a photovoltaic system with a green roof can boost the efficiency of the photovoltaic system due to the reduced surface temperature. The vertical mounting frame, in particular, ensures optimum conditions for the development and functioning of a green rooF. OPTIGRÜN and SOLYCO Optigrün is the market leader in green roofs and Buildings and has already been successfully working in the construction industry for 50 years. SOLYCO, the solar expert, has been working in the field of photovoltaics for over 20 years and is known in the industry for innovative products and pioneering systems. By combining expertise and decades of experience from the fields of green roofs and energy generation, the two companies OPTIGRÜN and SOLYCO offer builders, investors, designers, architects and municipalities a sophisticated and economical solution for sustainable urban development. ADVANTAGES THAT IMPRESS: High electricity yield, comparable with a conventional solar green roof High-quality double-glazed modules with high bifacial coefficient and hail protection Retrofitting on existing green roofs possible Very low weight of 12-22 kg/m² (Own load incl. partly necessary ballastfeet) Cohesive system, secured against shifting as a result of wind pressure, no occurrence of wind suction Consistent supply of light and water to the vegetation. The green roof can develop unhindered Maintenance can easily be carried out on the green roof Integrated cable management Very simple, quick installation Certified in accordance with IEC 61215, IEC 61730, IEC 61701, IEC TS 62804 (module safety and reliability) For more information, view full PDF pamphlet.   www.optigruen.com www.solyco.com powered bypermatapedia.com

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Latest News

19th Salzburg Europe Summit

Join WGIN’s David Brasfield at the 19th Salzburg Europe Summit, where international experts will discuss current European issues, including the New European Bauhaus. When? September 24 – 26, 2023 REGSITER HERE The current topics this year range from modern urban planning, the reconstruction of Ukraine to industry, climate protection and energy to regionality, including: Western Balkans Reconstruction of Ukraine Departure to new Horizons Debts of Europe Industry and Climate Protection Energy and Raw Materials Regionalism and Globalization New European Bauhaus The conference will engage in seven dialogue events with high-ranking representatives of domestic and European science, politics, diplomacy and business. David Brasfield, Board Member and Secretary of World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) will participate among the speakers in the session – Sustainable and Innovative Building Culture: New European Bauhaus, taking place on Tuesday, 26 September, 11:00 – 12:15 PM. Find more information about the session here. Find the full event programe here. View the full list of speakers here. Organised by The Institute of the Regions of Europe (IRE). Find more information here. Register here.

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Latest News

CIRCULAR CITIES SUMMIT 1.0

Join Dr. Manfred Koehler, President of WGIN, at the Circular Cities Summit 1.0 on 14 – 15 November 2023, aiming to facilitate a global conversation amongst leaders and practitioners on the circular economy and sustainable urban solutions, with a focus on innovative approaches and best practices. REGISTER HERE 14 – 15 November 2023 Sands Expo & Convention Centre Singapore Summit Programme: DAY 1 — Conference 9:00 am – 6:00 pm | EARLY BIRD: SGD 200 (Limited to FIRST 200 Registrants only) Regular Price: SGD 300 | Business Package: SGD 450 (Conference + Cocktail) Exclusive C-Suites Networking Cocktail Night 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Fee: SGD 180 DAY 2 — Technical Tour 8:00 am – 12:30 pm | Fee: SGD 100 Explore Singapore | ABS & ArchXpo 2023 12:30 pm – 6:00 pm View the full summit programme here. Call to Rethink The inaugural Circular Cities Summit 1.0 themed “Game-Changing Innovations for Future Cities” would focus on exploring innovative solutions and strategies for achieving sustainability and circularity in the built environment. The pursuit of circular cities is seen as a crucial step towards achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11, which aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. What is a Circular City? A circular city is a city designed to function in a circular economy, which is an economic system aimed at minimizing waste and making the most of resources. In a circular city, resources sire used and managed in a way that is sustainable and regenerative, and waste is minimized through reuse, recycling, and other forms of resource recovery. Circular cities are designed with a focus on sustainability and resilience, and they typically incorporate elements such as green spaces, public transportation, renewable energy sources, and smart technology to optimize resource use and reduce waste. Circular city planning also takes into account the social and economic needs of the community, with a focus on creating a livable and equitable urban environment for all residents. Summit Discussion Topics Circular design principles and strategies for buildings and landscapes Emerging technologies and innovative solutions for sustainable construction and maintenance Circular material use and resource efficiency in buildings and landscapes Sustainable building practices, including low carbon and energy-efficient design Circular economy approaches for managing waste and resources in the built environment Urban planning and design for circular cities and communities Case studies of successful circular and sustainable building and landscape projects Sustainable engineering approaches and more. Speaker Highlights Dechen Tsering REGIONAL DIRECTOR AND REPRESENTATIVE OF UNEP ASIA AND THE PACIFIC OFFICE Guan Yisong HEAD OF ELLEN MACARTHUR FOUNDATION, CHINA Dr. Julian Kirchherr PARTNER, MCKINSEY & COMPANY Sasa Bozic SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY CONSULTANT, SOPHIA ACADEMY FOUNDER, AUTHOR Dr. Manfred Koehler PRESIDENT, WORLD GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORK (WGIN) …and many more. View the full list of speakers here. More about the summit The Summit aims to facilitate a global conversation amongst leaders and practitioners on the circular economy and sustainable urban solutions, with a focus on innovative approaches and best practices. Power-packed with keynote speeches, panel discussions, interactive sessions, innovation launches, exclusive display, networking opportunities and more. Excellent platform for participants to exchange ideas and collaborate on future initiatives. 800 – 1000 delegates expected with post streaming that will reach more than 30,000-50,000 audience worldwide via different media platforms. More information: www.circularcitiessummit.com Register here View the event brochure. View the event poster.

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Future-proof building: Unique residential area with sloping green roofs

© wallaard vegetatiedaken This project is a breakthrough in nature-inclusive construction with sloping green roofs and a great example of bio-based construction. In the Dutch city Uden, new-build project De Bogerd, of housing corporation Area, provides a new benchmark in the field of future-proof building. Creating a green and liveable environment for a broad target group was the main goal when designing this new residential area. The project is a breakthrough in nature-inclusive construction with sloping green roofs, and an excellent example of bio-based construction using wood and other natural materials. Location: De Bogerd City: Uden, The Netherlands Designer / Project Owner: Housing corporation “Area” Date: June 2023 Green Roof System: Pitched green roof system Unique sustainable project for the social rental sector The project consists of 40 social housing units of various dwelling types built on a site where 22 homes used to be. Sempergreen’s sloping green roof system has been applied to all homes, in combination with solar panels. This makes De Bogerd a unique project, as sloping green roofs have never before been applied within the Dutch social housing sector on such a large scale. The sloping green roof system contributes to a pleasant living environment for the residents. In addition, the system is fully recyclable and dismountable, making it a sustainable solution. Green roofs are stepping stones for local biodiversity The sloping green roofs act as green stepping stones for the surrounding area. The nearby surroundings are very green, with a park and bioswales. This green zone is now extended to the roofs. This means that birds, bees and other insects can easily find their way around, and can use the roofs as refuge and a source of food. These green roofs therefore make an important contribution to promoting biodiversity in the urban environment. Dirk van Tillaar, project manager of Area Housing Corporation: “We did not realise beforehand that this would have such an impact on the surrounding area.” Installing green roofs in winter These types of green roofs can be installed almost all year round, except during periods of frost. So it is not surprising that the installation of the green roofs took place in winter. Even during snowfall, the installation went on as usual for the most part, as the Sedum plants can withstand the cold. To keep the sloping green roofs beautiful year-round, even during dry and hot summers, the roofs are equipped with drip lines after the substrate was applied, in order to administer water during prolonged dry periods. In addition, the roofs are equipped with a fall protection device so that any maintenance required can be carried out safely. Contact: Sempergreen.com Watch video here. Credits: Wallaard Vegetatiedaken © Sempergreen  © Sempergreen  © Sempergreen  © wallaard vegetatiedaken

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Latest News

Press Release: Almost 1,100 participants from 41 countries at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023

The accompanying exhibition at the World Green Infrastructure Congress with trade fair character. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Almost 1,100 participants from 41 countries at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023. After six years, the World Green Infrastructure Congress finally took place in Germany again and became the world’s largest event on the subject of greening buildings to date! Almost 1,100 people from 41 countries had registered for the congress in Berlin which was organised by the Bundesverband GebäudeGrün e.V. (BuGG). the accompanying trade exhibition with fair character comprised almost 60 exhibitors. The lectures were also broadcast live online. BuGG President Dr. Gunter Mann was very satisfied with the course of the event: “It was an incredibly large organisational effort, which could only be managed by a great team performance of the BuGG and was rewarded by a sensationally high number of participants!” He continues, “We would also like to thank the patrons, the international and national partners, the congress and media partners and the numerous sponsors! Without their participation, a congress of this dimension would not have been possible.” The three-day World Congress, which addressed planners, implementers, local, state and federal politicians, investors and companies in the sector, was divided into two days of congress and one day of excursions. The importance of the topic of green buildings and the World Green Infrastructure Congress in politics can be seen in the patronage of the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building and the Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility, Consumer Protection and Climate Action. The conference programme with 95 expert lectures and a total of 107 speakers from 28 countries was impressive and provided a good cross-section of research and development, urban strategies and the state of the art in building greening worldwide. Special impulses at the beginning With welcoming addresses by the Parliamentary State Secretary Elisabeth Kaiser (Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building) and Permanent Secretary Britta Behrendt (Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility, Consumer Protection and Climate Action), as well as keynote speeches by German architect Christoph Ingenhoven and the world-renowned French botanist Patrick Blanc, there was a brilliant start to the congress. Full programme on Congress Day 1 and 2 On 27 and 28 June 2023, in five parallel series of lectures and keynote speeches at the beginning and at the end, numerous presentations were given by a total of 107 speakers from 28 countries on current topics relating to greening buildings (roof, façade and interior greening) and their diverse and promising applications. The main topics included climate adaptation strategies, sustainable building, rainwater management, biodiversity, urban strategies for greening buildings, architectural and practical examples. A glimpse into the practice. Excursions on Day 3 On the third day (29.06.2023), a total of seven bus excursions with over 300 participants to various greened Berlin properties took place. The excursions were divided into four main topics (green roofs, green facades, green interiors, green buildings). They were organised and accompanied by the Institute of Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects at the Humboldt University of Berlin (IASP) and led to DB Systel GmbH, Berlin Hyp AG, M&M’s Store Berlin, Schönhauser Allee Arcaden, METRO Berlin-Friedrichshain, Wintergarten Varieté, LP12 Mall of Berlin, TechnoCampus Berlin, EDGE Grand Central Berlin, Zukunft – Umwelt – Gesellschaft (ZUG) gGmbH, Stadtpark Schöneberg Grundstücksverwaltung Flemmig & Reinhard GmbH & Co. KG. The accompanying exhibition and the supporters Another highlight of the event was the accompanying exhibition, which gave a good overview of various products, systems and services of the industry and was fully booked with 59 exhibiting companies and associations. This was accompanied by a poster exhibition with 56 poster contributions from 12 countries. The organiser of the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023 was the Bundesverband GebäudeGrün e.V. (BuGG), supported by international partners (World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN), European Federation of Green Roof & Green Wall Associations (EFB), Austrian Green Building Association (VfB) and Swiss Green Building Association (SFG)), national partners (Bundesverband Garten-, Landschafts- und Sportsplatzbau e.V. BGL, Patzer Verlag), as well as 25 congress and 11 media partners. The World Green Infrastructure Congress has received further support from numerous gold, silver and bronze sponsors: Gold: ACO, Bauder, GDL Belke/Ejot, Urbanscape Knauf Insulation, Mobilane, Optigrün, Sky Roofers, Triflex, Wagner/Weiss + Appetito, Zinco, Novotegra, Wavin. Silber: ATUS, Berliner Regenwasseragentur, Bildungscampus Dieter Schwarz Stiftung, BMI-Group, Carl Stahl, Cloud Garden, Flor-design Wand, Kraiburg Relastec, Sempergreen, Verticalgreendesign. www.gebaeudegruen.info READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE IN PDF FORMAT. READ THE PRESS RELEASE ON BUGG WEBSITE. Full house with almost 1,100 participants at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023 in Berlin. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Interested politicians at the World Congress: BuGG President Dr. Gunter Mann (right) leads through the fair and informs Permanent Secretary Dr. Britta Behrendt (Berlin Senate Department for the Environment, Urban Mobility, Consumer Protection and Climate Action, right next to him) and Parliamentary State Secretary Elisabeth Kaiser (Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development and Building, in red). Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Almost 60 exhibitors presented their product and system solutions for greening buildings at the accompanying exhibition. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün All the expert lectures held in parallel in five rooms were very well attended. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Full house with almost 1,100 participants at the World Green Infrastructure Congress 2023 in Berlin. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Great practical examples and enthusiastic participants on a total of seven excursions to Berlin green building objects. Source: Bundesverband GebäudeGrün Find more images on the BuGG website.

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EU chapter

Nature Restoration Law: The Battle for Urban Greening Targets in the European Union

Macro of a honey bee (apis mellifera) on a mint (menta piperita) blossom with blurred bokeh background; pesticide free environmental protection save the bees biodiversity concept. The Nature Restoration Law is crucial for the transformation of our cities. It’s time to support it, for citizens, future generations & our planet, writes Luigi Petito for Living Architecture Monitor.  A few issues ago, I wrote a piece about the vital contribution of green and blue infrastructure to urban biodiversity. I sang the praises of the EU biodiversity strategy for 2030 – a strategy that recognises the wide-ranging societal benefits of greening urban and peri-urban areas.  The cornerstone of that strategy is the Nature Restoration Law, a proposal from the European Commission for legally binding EU nature restoration targets to restore ecosystems and help to increase biodiversity, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and prevent and reduce the impacts of natural disasters. One of the ecosystems addressed in the law is urban areas for which the European Commission proposes a framework of legally binding urban greening targets in public spaces and in the design of buildings. Many readers will have probably read the headlines about the law over the last few weeks, but unfortunately not for the right reasons.  With the Nature Restoration Law the European Commission made an unprecedented and ambitious move. And in my view the law is a crucial step to guide the transformation of our cities. Let’s be clear here, the green transformation of our cities is a “must have”, an urgent and absolute necessity. Climate action is no longer a “nice to have”.  Read the full article by Luigi Petito in Living Architecture Monitor.

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Latest News

WGIN AWARDS 2023

WGIN will present the 2023 Global Awards for best green infrastructure practice at the World Green Infrastructure Congress in Berlin 27 – 29 June 2023. The WGIN Awards will acknowledge four categories. Built Environment Green Infrastructure (green roofs & green walls) Urban Landscape Green Infrastructure Research Green Infrastructure Policy Green Infrastructure Award Category Submissions: Nominations open on 27 February 2023 and close on 31 May 2023. WGIN Award Conditions of Entry: Nominations submitted by or on behalf of WGIN National Association members will be judged. Each National Association member can nominate a maximum of two submissions for each award category. Category submissions must have been completed; published or implemented after 01 January 2023. National Association members can nominate award submissions from their own nation or from any other nation. There is no restriction on where the project; research or policy originated and was completed. National members are encouraged to choose nominations that are based on merit and efficacy. Once submissions have been received by WGIN, they will be judged on merit by the WGIN judging panels; submissions may be promoted on the WGIN website prior to each category winner being announced at the World Green Infrastructure Congress. The winners for each category will receive a trophy and will also be promoted globally over the following year. WINNERS 2023: Winner of Green Infrastructure Research: Jorge Adán Sánchez Reséndiz, Spain Build Environment: Green Wall Project Kempegowda International Airport Terminal, IndiaGrant Associates New 255,000 m² terminal designed & built on 4 key pillars: Terminal in a Garden; Sustainability; Technology; Art & Culture series of interconnected buildings joined by landscaped spaces + populated with plants, bamboo-clad pavilions, indoor waterfalls & rattan furnishings, 3-story ‘forest belt’ largest airport building in the world pre-certified as LEED Platinum greenwalls, hanging gardens & greenroofs galore! Honourable mention: Szellkapu Park 3-Dimensional Hanging Garden, Hungary:​ 4D Landscape Design​ Build Environment: Green Roof Award Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Māori Art Gallery Whangārei, New Zealand Zoe Avery  In 1993 Hundertwasser invited to design an art gallery for Whangārei Aotearoa’s 1st & only Māori contemporary art gallerydesigned to reflect Hundertwasser’s belief in the importance of integrating nature into the built environment Native Northland specific plants: offshore island, threatened, endangered or rare species Integrating endemic species with fruiting trees allows wandering through the forest to discover, pick & eat fruit  Feel like a guest of nature on the roof! The living roof creates a rich habitat for plants, insects & birds, fostering a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity Home to the rarest tree in the world: Three Kings Kaikomako, Pennantia baylisiana Forest plantings set randomly, allowing spontaneous vegetation beneath the trees where new plants can self-seed Innovative design: interlocking network of cells maintains the substrate, trees & drainage on the 1:4 slope Green roof has withstood 2 cyclones & several major weather events since it was installed last year! Manaaki whenua, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua” ~ Care are for the land, care for people, go forward By: Zoë Avery, Renée Davies, oversight from the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation & Springmann Architecture, Dr Robyn Simcock, HB Architecture, Friedensreich Hundertwasser (concept design) Honourable mention: The Plus – Furniture Factory, Norway Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) Urban Landscape Award Coeur University, Nanterre, France François Leclercq & Associates Honourable mention: Idzikowski Street Park, Poland:​ Ikropka Landscape Architecture Studio Further Information: Contact your National Association for more information. Contact WGIN for more information: info@wgin.org awards@wgin.org 

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EU chapter

Open letter: Ambitious and enforceable urban greening targets for healthier cities

The European Parliament and the Council of the EU are currently finalising their position on a crucial piece of legislation for biodiversity in Europe, the Nature Restoration Law. In particular, the legislation intends to set specific targets for restoring green spaces in urban areas, to ensure the return of biodiversity in European cities.  Today, to support those proposals in view of the votes in the Parliament and Council in the month of June, the EU Chapter of the WGIN is publishing, together with 29 organisations from 19 countries, an open letter calling on European policymakers to safeguard ambitious and enforceable urban greening targets in their respective positions on the Nature Restoration Law.  Read the full letter here.

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