Cities all over the world are going green to adapt to climate change and to preserve wildlife. On June 6th World Green Roof Day celebrates green roofs and their many benefits for people and nature.

Have you ever walked around your city and found yourself admiring a building covered in beautiful, lush vegetation? Once rare to spot, nowadays green buildings are more and more popular. They are not only beautiful to stare at, but they have lots of positive effects that extend beyond the building to the whole neighbourhood.

The perks of green buildings and cities

First, green surfaces reduce temperatures. Vegetation retains rainwater and releases it back in the atmosphere in a controlled way through a process called evapotranspiration. It’s like a natural air conditioning system, that lowers the heat caused by concrete in cities.

Through the absorption of water, green roofs help decrease the risk of floods. One square metre of a green roof with 25 cm substrate can absorb the water contained in a bathtub. This takes the pressure off the sewerage system. Moreover, some green buildings can also filter and clean water.

Green areas increase biodiversity, providing habitats for plants, animals, and insects. For example, birds can use green roofs as nesting places, while bees can feed on the pollen of flowers.

Humans can benefit from green roofs too, as they have a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. Plants reduce stress, increase the immune system helping us recover quicker from illnesses and can even enhance our productivity and concentration.

Those who have the chance of living in a green building might have noticed that vegetation contributes to making homes more comfortable. It reduces noises and air pollution and increases thermal insulation, creating a nice and cosy environment.

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