Upcoming Trade Shows Basel, Switzerland for Building & Construction

Basel, the cultural hub at the crossroads of Switzerland, Germany and France, boasts a unique achievement – the largest area of green roofs per capita globally. We’re talking about 5.71 m2 per inhabitant in 2019. The roots of Basel's green roof initiative can be traced back to energy-saving programs that evolved into a broader commitment to biodiversity conservation. The city spearheaded efforts to encourage green roofs by investing in incentive programs. Initiated in 1996-1997, these programs offered subsidies ranging from 20 CHF to 40 CHF per m2, fostering a green transformation across the city. The funding source was the Energy Saving Fund, fueled by a 5% contribution from all energy bills in the Basel canton. This clearly demonstrates the long-term involvement of Basel’s building and construction sector, which works over the entire city to create a sense of cohesion as well as benefit the lives of all its citizens. In 2002, Basel solidified its commitment to green roofs by amending the Building and Construction Law. The legislation mandated green roofing for all new and renovated flat roofs with design guidelines to ensure adherence. A subsequent regulation in 2010 reinforced this requirement, extending it to all new buildings with flat roofs. This strategic approach is not just about aesthetics; it's a climate-conscious move aiming for lower temperatures and reduced surface runoff. The overarching goal of Basel’s green roof initiative extends beyond energy efficiency – it's a holistic vision that intertwines financial incentives with building regulations. Initially motivated by energy savings, the initiative later evolved to spotlight biodiversity benefits. The success of early projects prompted further studies, emphasizing the ecological and fire safety aspects of green roofs. It's evident that green roofs are climate change champions and only a first step. Basel has set its sight on becoming a green hub in Switzerland and offering a model for cities worldwide to emulate.