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CEP

Making Green Roofs Pay: The WGIN / CEP lecture series continues

Join us on Wednesday, 6 December 2023 at 16:00 CET for another thrilling session of the WGIN / CEP lecture series.     We are excited to welcome Steven Peck  – World Green Infrastructure Network’s Board Member and President of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities.    As a renowned green infrastructure expert, Mr. Peck will be sharing insights on “Making Green Roofs Pay.” Don’t miss out on this valuable experience!    Find the link to attend here.  A certificate of participation will be issued to all attendees, courtesy Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences.  

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EU chapter

European Parliament shares its view on the revised Pollinators Initiative

The European Parliament approves a resolution endorsing & sharing its priorities on the European Commission’s Revised Pollinators Initiative.  On 23 November 2023, the European Parliament approved a resolution on the revised Pollinators Initiative. This is a non-binding document expressing the priorities of the European Parliament on the initiative in order to best shape and ensure the successful implementation of the Commission’s Revised Pollinators Initiative, adopted earlier this year.  The resolution highlights key points aimed at promoting the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems in urban areas, specifically focusing on protecting the pollinator populations. It emphasizes the importance of the integration of these concerns into urban planning practices and calls on all Member States to monitor pollinator populations in cities, while encouraging the sharing of best practices among cities.  A significant aspect of the resolution is that it stresses the benefits of green roofs and vertical gardens in providing habitats for pollinators, contributing to urban sustainability, and enhancing the quality of life of citizens.   The resolution also proposes the creation of a “nature fund” in the European Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The MFF itself will be defined sometime in 2027. The resolution’s various elements will be subject to the considerations of the European Commission and the Member States.  Read the full text here: bit.ly/47xNRZM 

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CEP

Biosolar Roofs – WGIN/CEP Lecture Series continues

17 November 2023 – Join today’s WGIN/CEP Lecture Series on Biosolar Roofs at 15:00 CET / 14:00 GMT.   We are excited to have our two main speakers today: David Vernon Brasfield, Chairperson of the Norwegian Association for Green Infrastructure, & Trygve Mongstad, Founder and CEO of Over Easy Solar.   A certificate of participation will be issued to all attendees courtesy of Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Poland.  Join through the Zoom Link: https://bit.ly/3MN3iVL. Don’t miss it!  

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EU chapter

Nature Restoration Law negotiations come to a close

The agreed text on Nature Restoration Law sets urban greening targets for EU countries. During the night of 9 November 2023, the EU Parliament and Council of EU reached an agreement on the first ever Nature Restoration Law in Europe. The final text, which has not yet been publicly shared, mandates Member States to set greening targets in cities.  More specifically, Member States will need to ensure that there is no net loss of urban green spaces by the end of 2030, unless for urban ecosystems that already have over 45% of green space. After 2031, Member States will have to increase urban green spaces until a “satisfactory level” is reached (which they have to define). The increase in urban green spaces shall also include the integration of green spaces on buildings and infrastructure.  This is a positive result as it will create momentum for the greening of cities, including roofs and walls, supporting the restoration of biodiversity in urban areas. However, specific attention will have to be given to the way the “satisfactory level” of greening is set and to monitor each cities’ progress.  Find the Council of the EU Press Release on the Nature Restoration Law agreement here.

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Latest News

Climate Resilient Cities 2023

Branislav Siklienka, President, Slovak Association for Green Roofs & Green Infrastructure (first from left); Manfred Koehler, President, WGIN (second from left); Oleksandra Strashok, Head, Ukrainian Association of Green Infrastructure (third from left); Jana Toth, Leading manager for EU financing (the middle); Eva Papp, conference management (third from right); Marta Weber-Siwirska, Board member of WGIN &  President of Polish Green Roof Association (second from right); Jan Rapan, Vice President, Slovak Association for Green Roofs & Green Infrastructure (first from right). Climate Resilient Cities took place on  26 – 28 September 2023 in Bratislava, Slovakia! The most successful Central & Eastern European Conference dedicated to science and research regarding climate resilient cities brought together the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) and the Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure in a more complex collaboration. Green roofs, green facades and other green and blue measures have many benefits to help us adapt our cities to changing climate conditions. Every year we experience extreme droughts, heat waves and torrential rains. Vegetated roofs help to cool heat islands in cities, retain rainwater, increase biodiversity, and create new living spaces in office or commercial centres. They also combine well with photovoltaics and improve their efficiency. During the Climate Resilient Cities 2023 conference, we had the opportunity to see and hear 24 great lectures and analyses as well as  an evening of networking with conference participants. On the third day, there was an excursion to Bratislava and Vienna. Manfred Kohler, President of WGIN, and Marta Weber-Siwirska, Board Member of WGIN, contributed with excellent lectures. This conference also had a world first in hosting the Head of the Ukrainian Association of Green Infrastructure, Oleksandra Strashok. PROGRAMME: DAY 1: 26.9.2023 (Tuesday) 8:00: Registration 9:00 – 18:00: Presentations and announcement of the winners of the “Green Roof of the Year 2023” 18:00: Evening reception and networking. DAY 2: 27.9.2023 (Wednesday) 9:00 – 17:00: Presentations DAY 3: 28.9.2023 (Thursday)  Excursion to interesting green roofs SPEAKERS: Prof. Dr. Ing. Prof. Dr. Manfred Koehler, President, World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) Germany Prof. Marta Weber-Siwirska, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Science, Poland Prof. Ing. Zuzana Sternová, PhD, Executive Advisor of the Technical and Testing Institute of Construction Mgr. Jozef Pecho, climatologist, Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute Ing. Marek Sokáč, PhD., Chairman of the Scientific Council of the Institute of Hydrology, Slovak Academy of Sciences RNDr. Timotej Brenkus, SAŽP, Director of Environmental Science Section Ing. arch. Ondrej Horváth, Head of the Department of Spatial Development and Concepts, City of Trnava Ing. Pavel Dostál, Chairman of the Green Roof Section, Czech Republic Ing. Jana Tóth, Specialist in public project financing and many others… Find more information here. View the event trailer here. CONTACT: The Slovak Association for Green Roofs and Green Infrastructure papp@zelenestrechy.org www.zelenestrechy.org

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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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