The construction and real estate sector is facing several challenges:
A shortage of building materials, high building material prices, rising interest rates, the resulting lower demand for construction services and much more will have a negative impact on the construction industry in Germany 2024.
In addition, the entire sector (including the chain) must become more sustainable. These challenges can be met by building close to nature and by renovating and converting. And not only in office buildings, but also in the area of housing and neighborhood renewal, where roofs of houses from the 1960s and 1970s need to be replaced. To make this future-proof, the use of green roofs in combination with solar systems is essential. Long-term thinking and a holistic approach ensure quick results.
Ambitious goals for 2050
Germany aims to become largely climate-neutral by 2050. The targets defined for 2030 are an important step in this direction. The various sectors are to significantly reduce their carbon dioxide emissions compared to 1990. The building sector is aiming for a 69% reduction in CO2 by 2030. To achieve this, building projects must become more sustainable more quickly and the sector's vision for the future must be greater. It is not enough to follow the (mostly minimal) laws and regulations, but proactive innovation is needed. Houses that are built today will not be renovated before 2050. It can be assumed that they will not meet the requirements of 2050 by then.
Building with a view to the future
The greatest opportunities therefore lie in the refurbishment, renovation and redesign of existing buildings. More must be invested in sustainable refurbishment and redesign. This ultimately costs less energy and material and causes fewer CO2 and nitrogen emissions. Compared to new buildings, there are also many more existing buildings, so this is also where the most can be achieved in terms of sustainable refurbishment.
Pitched roof greening as a future-proof solution
One way of meeting both requirements is not only to install solar panels, but also to combine them with a green roof. Especially if the roof needs to be replaced anyway. This is possible on both flat and pitched roofs. Our pitched roof green roof systems are available in vapor-impermeable and vapor-permeable form. The former is particularly suitable for renovating existing buildings, as it is not only easy to work with but also saves costs. After removing the roof tiles, no further waterproofing layer needs to be applied to make the roof vapor-tight. So you save twice.
Further benefits of a green roof
For those who are not yet familiar with the other benefits of green roofs, we have listed them below:
- Filters fine dust
- Buffers rainwater
- Converts CO2 into oxygen
- Has a sound-absorbing effect
- Promotes local biodiversity
- Cooling in and around the building
- Has a positive effect on human well-being
Vapor-permeable solution for the current renovation generation
Most of the houses in need of renovation date back to the 1960s and 1970s. The vapor-permeable roof construction was used in these houses at that time, and the roof tiles had to be replaced at. You can then lay conventional roof tiles again, or you can go green and do it right away. Now is the right time to do this, because you are putting on a new roof for the next 50 years. Sempergreen's vapor-permeable pitched roof is easy to apply to the existing roof construction of this type of house, as the green roof system can be attached directly to the battens, just like the roof tiles. The system is fully reusable and recyclable, making it an ideal green solution for these renovation projects.
Tax relief for the sustainable renovation and renewal of urban districts
Sustainable and future-proof construction has its price. We therefore recommend taking advantage of the numerous subsidies and tax breaks offered by the government. Almost all major cities in Germany offer subsidies for the installation of green roofs. There are even cities such as Hamburg, Bremen and Dresden where the installation of a green roof on new buildings is mandatory. This lowers the cost of sustainability, while in return you get added value and future security. So check with your local council to see if they also grant subsidies for greening your pitched roof.
Further information
In short: whether it's sustainable project development, green real estate management or securing the future of the housing stock — with Sempergreen's green roof systems for pitched roofs, you can take ambitious steps towards sustainability.
For further information, please contact our experts at the DACH & HOLZ trade fair and make an appointment before the trade fair.
Make an appointment here
Information about the green roof systems from Sempergreen.
