The ‘Green Roofs’ subsidy is provided by the city of the Hague in order to promote the implementation of roof greening around the city. As of 2020 the municipality is offering a total of €600,000 for this project, with a maximum grant equal to 50% of the cost of greening a structure. The subsidy increases the accessibility of this activity and encourages the development ofkey public goods.
Why sustainable?
The subsidy is sustainable as it promotes the inclusion of biodiversity in an urban setting thereby ensuring more sustainable urban development in the face of the growing strain on global biodiversity. Furthermore through absorption of light energy the implementation of green roofs reduces the ambient temperature of cities and thus the need to use energy for cooling. Finally the higher rate of greening extends the lifespan of roofs as they are protected from the elements, therefore less materials are needed for repair and the carbon footprint of the city is reduced.
Good Health and Well-being: The increase in plants and plant diversity within an urban ecosystem improves the air quality which can prevent many illnesses.
Sustainable Cities and Communities: The municipality provides subsidies to make the city greener and more sustainable.
Life on land; The increasing greenery provided by the subsidy supports not just plants but also other organisms dependent on them.