Proposals have already been tabled by the Commission.
Greening Homes and Spaces in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany: A Guide to Funding Opportunities
For homeowners and developers in NRW seeking to green their properties, there are numerous funding opportunities available to support roof and facade greening projects. These resources primarily come from state-level programs, often bolstered by European Union funds.
State and EU Funding
The REGIONALE 2025 Program, a significant structural development program by the state of NRW, supports projects focusing on sustainable building redesign and green infrastructure innovation. The "Green Factory" project, funded with about €22.4 million, aims to upgrade industrial buildings with ecological designs, including green roofs and facades. While this project is industrially focused, REGIONALE 2025 also supports urban sustainability efforts that could include greening buildings and areas as part of digital and sustainable urban development initiatives.
Besides REGIONALE, the EFRE/JTF NRW 2021–2027 program channels millions into green and sustainable infrastructure projects across NRW. These programs support buildings with environmental innovations, which can include roof and facade greening.
Local Opportunities
While no direct details were found about municipality-specific programs for roof or facade greening in NRW, local authorities typically align with state programs and may offer additional incentives or support, especially in cities emphasizing urban green space expansion. For instance, in Oberhausen, funding is available for roof and facade greening, as well as unsealing measures in Brückenschlag and Osterfeld-Mitte.
Federal Funding
Germany’s federal government supports building-related energy efficiency and sustainability through various programs, some of which cover green roofs and facades as part of climate-resilient building upgrades. Although not specified in these search results, these federal programs are relevant to NRW property owners.
Funding for Roof Greening
Roof greening can be funded through federal funding for efficient buildings (BEG) under the BEG WG program for residential buildings or the BEG EM program as an individual measure. Additionally, the NRW.BANK offers low-interest additional loans for climate adaptation measures, including roof and facade greening, infiltration systems, retention areas, and cisterns.
The funding for roof greening is provided at a flat rate of 50 euros per square meter of greened roof area, up to a maximum of 200 square meters. Implementation of roof greening can take place after the hot months. Some funding conditions and application forms may appear complex, but careful reading can lead to significant financial support for greening measures.
Taking Action
Now is the ideal time to plan the measures and apply for funding for roof greening. Green garages, composting bins, and planted driveways can improve the local climate, absorb water, and enhance living quality. The Brückenschlag and Osterfeld district offices can assist with application questions.
Unsealing surfaces or greening roofs can lead to reduced sewage charges in many municipalities, including Oberhausen. By embracing greening initiatives, NRW homeowners and developers can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for their communities.
For more information on greening in NRW, visit www.klimakoffer.nrw/klimaanpassung-begruenung-foerderung. Free online seminars on greening around the house are held every first Wednesday of the month at www.klimakoffer.nrw/veranstaltungen. Greening is best done in spring or autumn, so start planning today!
- The "Green Factory" project, funded through the REGIONALE 2025 Program, focuses on updating industrial buildings with ecological designs, which could include green roofs and facades, as part of their sustainable building redesign and green infrastructure innovation.
- For those seeking to green their dwellings, the NRW.BANK offers low-interest additional loans for climate adaptation measures, including roof and facade greening, infiltration systems, retention areas, and cisterns.
