From this week, residents of the municipality of Groningen can again apply for a subsidy if they want to green the roof of their house themselves. Five questions about green roofs.
When can you apply for a subsidy for a green roof?
It will be possible to apply for a subsidy again from Monday 15 January. The application form can be found at website of the municipality of Groningen.
In this case, a green roof literally means green: plants, in whatever form.
Is every roof suitable?
A lot flat or sloping roofs are suitable for planting, as long as the slope is a maximum of 25 degrees. The roof must of course be well maintained.
It is important that the roof can support the weight of the plants. “Unfortunately, not all roofs are suitable, we have to look carefully at whether it is possible,” says Liekel Boer (37). In 2017 he founded Grunndak, a company that installs green roofs and facades in Groningen. “The roof must support about 80 kilograms per square meter. Because the following applies here: the thicker the soil under the green roof, the more beautiful the plants are.”
But it doesn’t end there: a green wall also falls under this subsidy pot. Or planting trees. Or exchange stones for greenery.
How do you qualify?
You must logically be a resident of the municipality of Groningen. One application can be submitted per address per application period. The amount of the subsidy is a minimum of 200 euros and a maximum of 5,000 euros per application. Do you have a new-build home that was put into use after January 1, 2022? Then you are not entitled to a subsidy for a green roof.
Please note: the budget is limited, the municipality of Groningen warns. ‘That’s why it’s first come, first served.’ Last year the pot was empty at the end of June, at the end of the application period.
What are the advantages?
A green roof can act as a buffer during heavy rainfall. This reduces the burden on the sewer during heavy rainfall. The plant roots work like a kind of sponge, says Environment Central. A green roof also provides food for insects and has a cooling effect during hot days in the summer.
In addition, your roof is better protected and usually lasts longer. A green roof is also good for the environment and biodiversity. In addition, the ambient temperature drops.
The subsidies in Groningen are a good thing, says Boer, who studied climate adaptation in Wageningen. “Such things often come from above, now it is bottom up . Residents are given the choice, which is positive for Groningen’s climate goals.”
Do you have solar panels on your roof? No problem. On the contrary. Roof plants lower the temperature on the roof, making solar panels theoretically more efficient. The plants on the roof must of course thrive in shade. And with a view to drainage and possible damage, it is advisable to engage a professional company for the combination of solar panels and a green roof.
Are there also disadvantages to a green roof?
Not all roofs are suitable to support the weight of a green roof covering. Depending on the vegetation – an intensive green roof is heavier than an extensive green roof – the weight can increase considerably. In addition, there is a risk of leakage, for example in the case of outdated roofing. So first inspect your roof carefully.
What is this week all about?
This week it concerns the climate subsidy from the municipality of Groningen, also known as the ‘green roof subsidy’. It will be available again from Monday 15 January.
Where are we?
In Groningen.
Why do I need to know this?
It offers opportunities to make your home more sustainable.
Where else is this happening?
In various municipalities there is a fund available for making your home more sustainable, but i In the province of Groningen, only the municipality of Westerkwartier offers a specific subsidy for the construction of a green roof. Residents there receive 20 euros per square meter. The municipality of Westerwolde offers a subsidy for ‘sustainable management of rainwater’, which includes a green roof.