Green and solar roofs gaining momentum in Europe
The integration of solar and green roofs is a growing trend in Europe, with many municipalities making them mandatory to achieve energy efficiency goals and contribute to offset the effects of global warming. Elevate roofing systems offer a reliable and durable solution for these types of applications.
In France, for example, the Energie-Climat law passed in 2019 and amended in 2023 states that at least 30% of the roof area of new commercial and industrial buildings bigger than 500 m² (warehouses, non-public hangars subject to commercial exploitation and publicly-accessible covered parking areas, among others) have to be covered with solar or green roofs, or a combination of both. As of 2027, this percentage will increase to 50% of the roof surface of all non-residential buildings.
In Germany, the indisputable green roof leader in Europe, about 10 million square metres of roof area were greened during 2023, according to the European Federation of Green Roof and Green Wall Associations (EFB). Cities like Hamburg even have as a goal to green at least 70% of both new buildings and suitable flat or gently pitched roofs undergoing renovation.
The UK, on their side, is set to achieve 70 gigawatt (GW) of solar power by 2035. To achieve this ambitious goal, planning permission to install residential solar roofs has been scraped, so that it’s much easier for homeowners to make the move towards renewable energy.
In short, building a climate-resilient built environment is a high priority for most European countries. Solar and green roofs are essential in designing future-proof buildings, offering both environmental and economic benefits. In an era of climate uncertainty, integrating them is a forward-thinking approach to sustainability that enhances building performance, occupant well-being, and long-term resilience.
Green roofs for green cities
What makes green roofs so interesting? Besides their aesthetic appeal and air-purifying effect, green roofs play a crucial role in helping mitigate the ‘urban heat island effect’, a condition in which cities absorb and trap heat at higher rates than rural areas. Green roofs also provide added insulation, cutting the energy costs required to heat or cool a building. Stormwater management is also a very important aspect of green roofing systems. In situations of excessive rainfall, green roofs absorb a certain amount of rainwater and then release it slowly, minimising the risk of flash flooding.
Fastest growing renewable energy source
According to the European Commission, solar power is by far the fastest growing energy source in the EU. Technology around this clean, infinite source of energy has massively improved over the last few years, making it more readily available and at lower costs.
This is also pushed by regulations. The EU Solar Standard, adopted by the European Parliament in 2024, states that solar installations will be mandatory by end 2026 on all new commercial and public buildings, by end 2027 in non-residential buildings undergoing a significant renovation, by end 2029 in new residential buildings, and by 2030 on existing public buildings. The quest to adopt solar roofing systems is therefore no longer a ‘nice to have’, but a must for future-proof construction.
Elevate long-lasting roofing solutions
Elevate EPDM and TPO roofing membranes offer a perfect match for green and solar roofing systems. They are fully compatible with extensive green roofs and can be easily combined with any type of photovoltaic installation. Their excellent weathering performance, resistance to root penetration and ability to withstand very high and very low temperatures translates into a roofing solution of outstanding durability.
