New Buildings to “Green” The Roofs in France

French parliament approved a law that will force all rooftops of new buildings in commercial areas to be partially covered in either solar panels or plants which reduces runoff by absorbing water

Rooftop vegetation—otherwise known as green roofs—aren't there to just look pretty. They reduce runoff by absorbing water, provide habitats for birds and other wildlife, and minimize the amount of energy buildings need to regulate temperatures. They also help to combat the "heat island" effect, in whichcities become hotter than nearby rural areas, sometimes by as much as 22 degrees Fahrenheit (12 Celsius).

Despite the pleas of environmental lobbyists, the law won't apply to rooftops outside commercial zones.It also won't force existing buildings to be retrofitted with green technology.

But that doesn't meanexisting buildings can't go greenon their own.France's most iconic structure—the Eiffel Tower—did so last month when it wasinstalled with wind turbines. Paris wants to consume 25% less energy and emit 25% less emissionsby 2020.

Paris is also the site of this year's majorUnited Nations conference on climate change.While France currently gets about 80% of its electricity from nuclear energy, and has lagged behind other European countries likeGermanyandDenmarkin developing green technologies, it certainly seems to have some momentum headed into the important November conference.

Source: Quartz

Read More Related Content On This Topic - Click Here

Media

Taxonomy

• Environment
• Energy
• Governance & Planning
• Green Building