Basel mandates Green Roofs for sustainability

The city of Basel in Switzerland is clear about the requirement for green roofs. Since 2002, the Building and Construction Law mandates that all new and renovated buildings with flat roofs must incorporate green roofs. This policy is evident from satellite imagery. The city aims to decrease temperatures, save energy, and protect the local ecosystem through this regulation. Basel anticipates a rise in the number of days with temperatures exceeding 30 °C from 10.5 (1981–2010) to 24.7 in 2035, making this measure a crucial one. Beyond enhancing the city’s livability during heatwaves and boosting local biodiversity, green roofs also aid in reducing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and the risk of flooding.