Expanding Green Spaces in Cities
Urban areas often lack sufficient green spaces. Greening rooftops and facades can turn unused surfaces into vibrant ecosystems, offering numerous benefits for people, wildlife, and the environment. Green roofs and facades improve microclimates, lower temperatures, and enhance air quality in densely populated areas. They also support biodiversity by creating habitats for small wildlife and insects.
Additionally, green facades and roofs protect buildings from harsh weather conditions, such as heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, as well as UV radiation and vandalism like graffiti. They reduce noise pollution, provide natural cooling, and combat urban heat islands. Beyond functionality, these solutions improve city living quality and create visually appealing environments that maintain a harmonious blend of urban and natural elements.
For building owners, expert advice is essential. Factors such as orientation, shading, and light reflection influence plant selection. Retrofitting buildings requires structural assessments to ensure load capacity. Green facades can often integrate with insulation projects, but considerations like wall load limits and plant weight are crucial. Collaboration with authorities ensures compliance with regulations and access to subsidies for such projects.
Requirements for Water Systems
The type of green roof—extensive or intensive—determines specific water management needs. Extensive roofs generally require a slope of 2%, while retention roofs can be flat. Proper planning, high-quality materials, and professional installation are crucial to avoid water damage to the building or vegetation. Key components include waterproofing, drainage, water channels, and outlets. Excess water is often recycled and reintegrated into the building’s water supply. Roof waterproofing must also meet FLL (Landscape Development and Construction Research Society) standards for root resistance.
Green facades come in two types: ground-based and wall-mounted. Wall-mounted systems, which do not rely on ground contact, are ideal for high-rise installations but require integrated water and nutrient supply systems. Regular maintenance of irrigation and drainage is crucial, especially to prevent frost damage in winter.
Dr. Gunter Mann, president of the German Association for Green Building (BuGG), states: “Despite nearly 50 years of expertise and proven guidelines, many builders and planners remain hesitant about green roofs and facades. Germany leads globally, with 150 million square meters of green roofs—more than any other country.”
ISH 2025: Water Technology Trends
Resource-efficient water technologies take center stage at ISH 2025, the leading trade fair for water, heating, and air, held in Frankfurt from March 17–21, 2025. The “Water Systems” section will feature innovations in hygiene, pressure management, water heating, and circulation, all aimed at reducing water usage and operational costs while supporting climate goals.
The special area “Green Roofs & Facades” will showcase innovative greening solutions for urban buildings. Key partners include the German Association for Green Building (BuGG), the Federal Association for Water Recycling (FbR), and the German Central Association for Sanitation, Heating, and Air Conditioning (ZVSHK).
