Germany_Austria_Swiss Leed

Germany_Austria_Swiss are Global Leaders at Implementing Plant-Based Buildings

Europe’s DACH region—the continent’s German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—has emerged as a pioneer in the field of green roofs. In Basel, Switzerland, the practice is even enshrined in law, while Austria now has entire forests on top of buildings by artist and architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. In Germany, Hamburg leads the way with at least 70 percent of new buildings and roofs awaiting renovation to be green in the future. A particularly striking example of the conversion of empty roof areas is currently taking place at the St. Pauli Bunker, an urban oasis more than 150 feet above street level whose panoramic rooftop can be reach via a planted “mountain trail.” Yet, despite that progress, most of the world is not using available rooftop space for gardens and greenery.