Green roofs: Great for the environment and user experience

Cities need green lungs to breathe – and modern buildings benefit from effective cooling and a high amenity value. Professional green roofs fulfil all these aspects. Green roofs are therefore one of the core competences of our group of companies – as an innovative solution for urban and private buildings. With our expertise, we realize attractive projects and are a dependable partner from the groundwork and planting through to long-term maintenance. Here we provide an insight into our expertise.

Types of green roof

There are two main types of green roofs: intensive and extensive green roofs. Depending on the type of building and the planned uses, one or the other variant is more likely to be considered. The approaches can be differentiated as follows:

Intensive green roofs

Intensive green roofs are ideal for roof areas that are to be used as open spaces. This type of greening requires a higher substrate layer (25-100 cm) and therefore enables an almost limitless design. The maintenance required is comparable to that of a normal outdoor area. The space gained through intensive roof greening creates additional green lungs in our cities and offers additional leisure and recreational areas.

Extensive green roofs

In contrast, extensive green roofs are ideal for extensive design on roofs that are to be greened primarily due to their excellent climatic and cooling properties. This type of greening requires a thinner layer of soil and consists mainly of mosses, sedum and other robust, drought-resistant plants.

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Implementation and maintenance of green roofs

Installation phase

The implementation of a carefully planned green roof is a critical step for which we pool our experience and expertise. Costs vary depending on the type of green roof and the specific requirements of the building. Our experts will collaborate closely with you to plan and implement a solution that meets your expectations and budget requirements.

Maintenance phase

The maintenance and care of a green roof is crucial for its longevity and effectiveness. While intensive green roofs require regular care, extensive green roofs require relatively little maintenance. The teams of our regional group partners offer customised maintenance plans to keep the green roof in perfect condition at all times.

Benefits of green roofs

A green roof offers many different benefits, which together are the reason for its increasing popularity. From an ecological point of view, the conventional, barren flat roof cannot compete with a green roof.

Climate regulation: The plant and ground cover cools and insulates the building and reduces the energy required for technical cooling, which has a positive impact on energy costs.
Water management: Plants and soils improve water retention and ensure delayed and reduced runoff, which is a particular advantage in urban areas.

Air quality: The plants on your roof can improve the local air quality by filtering particulate matter and nitrogen oxides and producing oxygen.
Visual enhancement: A green roof improves the appearance of your building and can even increase the attractiveness of an entire neighbourhood.

We have extensive expertise and experience in the field of green roofs, making us the ideal partner to professionally support your project from implementation to long-term maintenance. Contact us today to find out more about our green roof services. By the way, facade greening is also one of our areas of specialisation.

Project examples from Greenovis member companies

Grüner Bunker (Green Bunker), Heiligengeistfeld, Hamburg

The “Grüner Bunker” is an urban garden project on the Heiligengeistfeld in Hamburg. The project, realised by Greenovis member Klaus Hildebrandt AG Garten- und Landschaftsbau, comprises an urban garden and a mountain path on the bunker. The construction costs totalled around € 4.8 million. The client is EHP Erste Hanseatische Projektmanagement GmbH.

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Axel-Springer-Verlagshaus (publishing house), Berlin

The Axel Springer Verlagshaus Berlin, designed by Rem Koolhaas’ OMA, offers a green oasis for over 5,500 employees on its green roof area. The challenges during the construction phase included the installation of complex greening systems and the transport of materials through the building. The green roof reduces heat and improves air quality.