callanBackground

The project was initiated in December 2019 by Marco Güntert, a student of geography and political science at the University of Basel. Together with Stephan Brenneisen, he developed the concept of green roofing. The Sustainability Office and two employees at the physics department helped to apply for funding from U-Change in February 2020. The project is officially financed by the AG Nachhaltigkeit and U-Change.

Goal of the project

In recent years, flat roofs with the option to plant have become more and more important. Despite info campaigns and subventions many roofs remain void of greenery. The goal of the “Green roofing» is the greening of university buildings to prevent the loss of biodiversity. Through this, the university is able to present itself as a role model to the campus community. This and next year, it is planned to green at least three roofs of the university.

Effects

The effects of a green roof are various from an ecological perspective. The following aspects are central:

• Effective fight against the phenomenon of urban “heat islands” due to heated concrete buildings and streets; higher reflection and cooling through the transpiration of the plants
• Thermal insulation in winter, useful to save energy
• Storage of 40-60% rainwater, further relieving the urban drainage system and sewage treatment plants
• Filtration of pollutants and fine dust
• Replacement habitat for native animal and plants species which are able to (re)settle easily
• Provision of food as well as shelter and nesting aid for insects

Status

After a long period of preparation, substrate and dead wood was transported by crane from the Hardwald to the roof of the Mattenstrasse 28 (Department of Biomedicine) at the end of September. Currently, the group is in the process of planning the greening of new university roofs together with the facility management. The group also founded an association called “Dachbegrünung Region Basel” in order to expand their work to private buildings and ensure more financing from different organizations.

Contact: Marco Güntert