DIY Green Roofs | Berlin

Our information session on green roofs was a resounding success. During the event, Werner Wiartalla guided the 20 participants around the green roofs of the ufaFabrik in Berlin. He spoke about the various green roofs he has installed over the years and which simple methods have proved particularly successful. After all, if the roof is already waterproofed, often all that is needed is a root barrier membrane, expanded clay with a little soil, and a strip of gravel for drainage.

We have summarised some of the key takeaways from the event here:
• When expanded clay is combined with soil, significantly more rainwater can be stored and made available to the plants during dry spells.
• 75 per cent of the annual rainfall that falls on a roof can be stored in green roofs.
• Compared to PV systems on conventional roofs, green roofs increase the output of PV systems due to the cooling effects of the vegetation.
• The narrow drainage strip at the edge of the green roof should be regularly cleared of plants to allow excess water to drain away.
• After sowing or planting the green roof, watering should continue for the first few weeks until the plants have become well established.

Further information on installing green roofs, including a DIY guide, can be found here: https://www.klimaanpassung-selbstgemacht.de/diy-anleitungen/dachbegruenungen/. In addition, Werner Wiartalla’s presentation is available for download here.

Using green roofs as an example, this event aims to provide insights into the implementation of nature-based solutions. It was held on 21 July from 18.00 to 20.00 in the seminar room at the ufaFabrik, in the theatre hall building (Viktoriastraße 10–18, 12105 Berlin). Further information: https://www.ufu.de/gruendaecher-zum-selbermachen/.