City Makes Green Roofs the Law
06 Dec 2010
Copenhagen has become the first city in Scandinavia to adopt a mandatory policy that requires all suitable new buildings to have roofs covered with vegetation
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While we've taken every precaution to ensure that the content of this article remains intact, it may contain errors.Copenhagen has become the first city in Scandinavia to adopt a mandatory policy that requires all suitable new buildings to have roofs covered with vegetation
The scheme is part of Copenhagen’s effort to become the world’s first carbon neutral city by 2025. The policy applies to all roofs with a less than 30 degree slope and to the refurbishment of older roofs.
Copenhagen currently has 20,000 square metres of flat roofs and over 30 buildings in the city have already been grassed over. It is predicted that, as a result of the new policy, another 5,000 square metres of roof space will be greened up each year.
Buildings with living roofs should be able to meet at least two of four criteria: absorb 50–80% of rainfall; provide a cooling and insulating effect for the building; double the roof’s life by shielding it from UV rays; decrease sunlight reflection and reduce urban temperatures; contribute to architectural variation to create a positive effect on the quality of life.
Contact: www.kk.dk/english.aspx
Image: Copenhagen newest iconic Green Roof Building, The 8 House. Image courtesy of BIG
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