In the 1970s when the oil crisis was at its height germany was one of the first countries to investigate the use of green roofs for energy conservation and by the middle of the noughties there were an estimated 13 million square metres of roofing in the country covered with greenery.
Green roof history germany.
This is a relatively new phenomenon and was developed in germany in the 1960s and has spread to many countries since then.
Sod roofs are frequently found on traditional farmhouses and farm buildings in iceland.
Modern green roof technology began in the early seventies in germany when the first green roof systems were developed and marketed on a large scale.
By the early 1900s germany was building flat green roofs in urban areas and continued to do so throughout the century.
In the 1970s when the oil crisis was at its height germany was one of the first countries to investigate the use of green roofs for energy conservation and by the middle of the noughties there were an estimated 13 million square metres of roofing in the country covered with greenery.
During the oil crisis of the 1970s west germany explored lightweight adaptations of sod roofs for the purpose of energy conservation.
In hamburg green roofing costs three times more than a gravel alternative although costs equalise over a 40 year period.
Unlike former green roofs this first approach offered reliable technology that provided sophisticated irrigation and protection against root ingress for rooftop gardens.
Serious storm water issues made cities think about innovative solutions preferably with living plants.
Since that time extensive green roofs have been lauded for their many benefits as cost effective solutions for urban environmental problems.
Because our history with green roofs began way back in the mid 1970 s in stuttgart germany we have had the privilege to collect government and trade publications for almost four decades.
In the early 1970 s germany was the epicenter of a revitalization of roof top gardening.
By the early 1900s germany was building flat green roofs in urban areas and continued to do so throughout the century.
Switzerland s first modern green roofs built in the 1990s averaged us 20 per square foot more than an ordinary roof.
Long held green roof traditions started in the early industrialization period more than 100 years ago exist in germany.
Early adopters have paid the most.
Today in europe about 10 000 000m of new green roofs are being constructed each year.
Germany is the country with the most green roofs in the world and it is the country with the most advanced knowledge in modern green roof technology.
In the 1970s green roof technology was elevated to the next level.
Green roofs like this one in berlin germany support specialized hearty vegetation and provide environmental services such as stormwater retention urban heat island effect amelioration habitat for urban wildlife and energy savings resulting from better insulation.
Green roofs are an old idea.
Here at green roof technology we are proud to house the largest green roofs archives in the united states.