New subsidy rules in Vienna for green roofs: what you need to know
As we all know, our beautiful city of Vienna heats up quite a bit in the summer months thanks to the dense urban development. Fortunately, the city of Vienna is doing a lot to counteract this and make life in the city more pleasant even in the hot summer: more trees are being planted, fog showers and water features are being built, and new subsidy rules for green roofs are being introduced. The aim is to make the city greener and more environmentally friendly. Everyone can play a part in this, as this initiative offers financial support to both private individuals and companies. Here are the most important details:
- Subsidy amount:
- The City of Vienna subsidizes the greening of roofs with up to 30,000 euros per roof. The exact amount of funding depends on the type and extent of the greening.
- Types of roof greening:
- Extensive roof greening: This form requires only a few centimeters (at least 8 cm) of soil build-up. It is light, does not require an irrigation system and is low-maintenance. Extensive green roofs cannot be walked on, but are well suited for solar use.
- Intensive roof greening: This is a more elaborate green roof with a soil structure of at least 30 cm, which can be walked on and is suitable for meadows, shrubs, trees and vegetable patches. This type requires regular maintenance and watering and is heavier, which is why the statics of the roof structure must be checked.
- Advantages of green roofs:
- Environmentally friendly: Green roofs help to improve air quality and reduce urban heat islands.
- Energy saving: Green roofs help to improve air quality and reduce urban heat islands.
- Habitat for flora and fauna: Green roofs create habitats for plants and animals and promote biodiversity.
- Application process:
- Interested parties should submit an application for funding before starting the measure. This must include cost estimates and photos of the current roof area.
- The application can be submitted online and a free initial consultation is offered by the City of Vienna via the Environmental Advisory Service.
- Additional advisory service:
- OekoBusiness Wien: Supports businesses with consulting services, some of which are subsidized up to 100 percent.
- Guidelines and informational material: A comprehensive guide to green roofs is available, which describes the various systems and their ecological and technical advantages.
The new subsidy rules offer an excellent opportunity to take environmentally friendly measures and benefit from financial support at the same time. You can find more information on the website of the City of Vienna.
Do you have any questions or want to find out more? Write to us in the comments or contact us directly.