European Parliament highlights green roofs for climate change adaptation

European Parliament highlights green roofs for climate change adaptation

December 2020 – In a resolution adopted on 17 December the European Parliament recognised the key role of green roofs and walls to minimise the adverse impact of climate change.

The resolution says that green roofs and walls can contribute to cooling high urban temperatures, retaining and reusing rainwater and producing food. Urban green infrastructure can also help reduce air pollution, improve the quality of life in cities, reduce risks to human health, and protect biodiversity, including pollinators.

MEPs supported any targeted initiatives to seize this potential, including the development of urban strategies and better spatial planning. Moreover, they called for infrastructure such as roads, parking lots, train tracks and power and drainage systems to be made biodiversity and climate-proof.

The Parliament’s resolution on adaptation to climate change will provide input on a new EU Adaptation Strategy, expected from the Commission in 2021 as part of the European Green Deal.

About us
The EU Chapter of the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN) aims to increase the awareness of the European Union policymakers about the multiple benefits of green infrastructure, with a specific focus on Building Integrated Vegetative Systems (green roofs and living walls).

WGIN brings together national and regional industry associations to promote the development of the green infrastructure industry through training, research, advocacy for new policy, conferences, publications, and promotion.

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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

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

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.