GREEN ROOF STRATEGY OF HAMBURG: nature-based solutions for collaborative governance

The Green Roof Strategy of Hamburg, Germany was initiated in 2014, making Hamburg the first major German city to launch a comprehensive green roof strategy. Its goal is to green at least 70 per cent of both new buildings and suitable flat or gently pitched roofs undergoing renovation. The Ministry for Environment, Climate, Energy, and Agriculture supports the project with EUR 3 million until the end of 2024. The strategy is based on four pillars: promotion, dialogue, policy and research. Green roofs and facades have different positive ecosystem services and support several SDGs. They improve environmental conditions by reducing noise and fine dust particle concentration, lowering surface temperatures, providing retention and evaporation, and reducing drainage system congestion and risk of flooding.