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European Green Infrastructure Day 2025

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

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05/20/2025 No Comments

PIISA Green Roofs Pilot

  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

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05/08/2025 No Comments

 iCARI launches RE-URBANEX

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

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05/05/2025 No Comments

EFB Open Meeting – European Update, 25 February

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

Monthly Webinar Series: Nature-Based Solutions for Post-Conflict Regions | April 2025

The “Nature Based Solutions for Post Conflict Regions” webinar is part of a monthly series launched with the support of WGIN, focusing on the reconstruction of green spaces in post-conflict regions. Date: April 2025Language: EnglishParticipation: By prior registration The event will highlight the goals and initiatives of the WGIN working group and discuss the advantages of green infrastructure in recovery efforts. Speakers: Marta Weber-Siwirska — Board Member of WGIN, President of the Polish Green Roof Association Oleksandra Strashok — Special Envoy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction, WGIN, Head and Co-Founder of the Ukrainian Association of Green Infrastructure Register here.

Greening Modern Cities 2025

The Greening Modern Cities conference will be held in Warsaw, Poland, on 21 March 2025. The main theme of the conference is the importance of greening buildings in urban areas in the context of climate change adaptation. Despite the one-day nature of the event, the conference has a packed programme, with speakers including Luigi Petito (Head of European Chapter at WGIN), Veranika Stopczyk (Ministry of Climate and Environment in Poland), Linda Velazqez (GREENROOFS.COM) and others. The event can be attended on-site in Warsaw or online. For more information and to register, please visit https://gmc.psdz.pl/

61st IFLA World Congress to be held from September 10th – 12th in Nantes, France

As part of WGIN’s ongoing collaboration with The International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA) we are pleased to announce the 61st IFLA World Congress, organized in partnership with the French Federation of Landscape Architects (FFP, Fédération Française du Paysage.) The event will run from September 10th – 12th 2025 at La Cité des Congrès in Nantes, France. The IFLA World Congress is the most important annual event for the landscape architecture profession and the IFLA community. In 2025, the Organising Committee has chosen the theme GUIDING LANDSCAPES: planning, designing and managing new resilient urban neighbourhoods, reorganising public space by reopening land, increasing rainwater infiltration and developing urban biodiversity to cool cities are all key issues. The congress will bring together 1,200 landscape architects, urban planners and decision-makers from over 50 countries. WGIN encourages the green infrastructure community to join IFLA2025 for inspiring lectures, discussions, study visits, networking and social events! Please share and circulate this information among your colleagues. KEY DATES Call for Abstracts starts: Submit your abstract now! Registration opens: mid February 2025 Abstract submission deadline: 15 March 2025 Notification of abstract selection: 15 April 2025 Deadline for authors registration: 15 May 2025 Early bird registration deadline: 15 June 2025 Standard registration deadline: 25 July 2025.

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

08/22/2023

© 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

USEFUL WGIN BOOKS

MUST READS

Multifunctional Urban Green Infrastructure

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Green Cities in the World Book 1

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Green Cities in the World Book 2

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Vertical Urban Agriculture Book

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EU CHAPTER

European Green Infrastructure Day 2025

05/20/2025

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

IFLA Joins the WGIN Working Group on Post-Conflict Reconstruction

02/27/2025

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.

Løren School Leads the Way in Green Roof Solar Innovation

02/24/2025

© 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.

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European Green Infrastructure Day 2025

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

Monthly Webinar Series: Nature-Based Solutions for Post-Conflict Regions | April 2025

The “Nature Based Solutions for Post Conflict Regions” webinar is part of a monthly series launched with the support of WGIN, focusing on the reconstruction of green spaces in post-conflict regions. Date: April 2025Language: EnglishParticipation: By prior registration The event will highlight the goals and initiatives of the WGIN working group and discuss the advantages of green infrastructure in recovery efforts. Speakers: Marta Weber-Siwirska — Board Member of WGIN, President of the Polish Green Roof Association Oleksandra Strashok — Special Envoy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction, WGIN, Head and Co-Founder of the Ukrainian Association of Green Infrastructure Register here.

World Congress on Green Roofs and Façades | Call for Papers

  Climate adaptation and the greening of cities is the order of the day. Which strategies and measures in roof and façade greening are proving to be effective and successful? Challenges lead to solutions and new strategies, technical innovations and developments, which will be presented and discussed at a scientific, practice-oriented congress. The congress will take place at the University of Basel, in the historic Kollegiengebäude. Contributions will be offered in the technical field of green roofs and façades, on building ecology topics, on research and on the development of new strategies and as an instrument of ecological urban planning. The World Congress on Green Roofs and Green Façades on June 5 and 6, 2025 will offer an information platform and be a driving force for establishing the promotion, research and development of green roofs and façades worldwide. Call for papers is now open until January 15 2024. Submit your paper and find more information here: Call for Papers | ZHAW Institute of Natural Resource Sciences IUNR Visit the congress website for more information: World Green Roof and Facades Congress 2025 | Organized by ZHAW

CitiesAlive 2024, 6-9 November 2024

CitiesAlive is celebrating its twentieth anniversary on 6-9 November 2024! This multi-disciplinary conference will be held in thecity of Toronto, spotlighting pioneering green roof designs, groundbreaking policies, and groundbreaking products and services within the green infrastructure industry. CitiesAlive offers plenty of opportunities for participants to connect and interact with experts and design professionals in the field. The event serves as a unique platform to foster Business-to-Business and Business-to-Consumer transactions, networking. Our tailored programming is geared toward engaging architects, landscape architects, and other design professionals, specifiers, researchers, policymakers, and students who represent the future. The agenda is tailored for the green building industry and policymakers around the globe. All sessions are designed to focus on the opportunities and challenges faced by the industry, as well as celebrate the past 20 years of green infrastructure implementation. Co-Hosted by the City of Toronto, CitiesAlive 2024 will feature 5 concurrent tracks of presentations, with over 100 speakers. Continuing Education opportunities to be announced. Take a look at the complete agenda here. Register now for Cities Alive 2024!