Reducing extreme temperatures by expanding urban green spaces

Transforming Cities Through Green Solutions for a Sustainable Future

As urban temperatures continue to rise, the need to expand green areas is becoming increasingly urgent. We envision vibrant, sustainable cities where buildings are covered in vegetation and the air remains clean and refreshing. Our goal is to turn this vision into reality by greening 6,000 buildings over the next ten years, redefining the urban landscape. With over 30 years of experience, we are leaders in developing and implementing solutions for green roofs, green facades, hanging gardens, and living walls. For us, social responsibility and sustainability are core values, and our mission is to create a positive impact on the environment and the quality of life in cities.

We offer a wide range of products and services, including a broad selection of plants and all necessary components to transform roofs and terraces into durable, functional green spaces. We invite you to join us in building a greener, healthier future!

Rising Temperatures and the Need for Immediate Action

After an already scorching June, July 2023 brought extreme heat to the USA, Mexico, Southern Europe, and China, breaking historic records. On July 6, global temperatures reached their highest level ever recorded, and ERA5 data from Copernicus C3S confirmed that the first three weeks of the month were the hottest in history. The climate crisis is intensifying heatwaves, making them longer and more severe, and the effects are being felt worldwide.

This accelerated warming contributes to extreme phenomena such as the devastating wildfires in Canada and Greece. In addition, the average ocean temperature has reached unprecedented levels, amplifying the effects of heat on ecosystems and urban communities.

The Human Impact of Extreme Heat

UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that “the era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has arrived.” Although the climate crisis is evident, there is still an opportunity to prevent the most severe consequences through urgent and ambitious measures.

In Spain, the 2022 heatwaves caused more than 4,600 deaths. Estimates show that without emission reduction measures, up to 90,000 Europeans could die each year due to extreme temperatures. The USA, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Algeria, and China have all reported significant increases in heat-related deaths and hospitalizations. Furthermore, tens of millions of people are at risk, and urban infrastructure is becoming increasingly strained.

In Europe, where 75% of the population lives in cities, the “urban heat island effect” is becoming a major threat. Urban temperatures can be 10–15°C higher than in surrounding rural areas, putting pressure on health and the economy.

Urban Solutions to Combat Heat

Cities that implement climate strategies are more resilient to extreme temperatures. Studies show that measures such as ventilation corridors, green facades and roofs, the use of light colors in construction, and the expansion of green spaces can significantly reduce temperatures and improve quality of life.

Heatwave action plans are increasingly being applied and have proven to reduce mortality caused by extreme heat.

Examples of Good Practices from Europe:

• Rotterdam: The LIFE@Urban Roofs project added 20,000 m² of green roofs by 2024.
• Poland: LIFE Archiclima adapts large structures, such as airports and shopping centers, with green facades and roofs.
• Vienna: Subsidizes green facades and roofs to encourage the integration of vegetation.
• Stuttgart: Prioritizes green spaces to combat the heat island effect through greening tram lines, vegetated facades, and using water to cool the urban environment.
• Oslo: Waste treatment facilities integrate green roofs with solar panels, reducing temperatures and improving air quality.

The Benefits of Urban Greening

Nature-based solutions provide multiple benefits:

• Temperature reduction through shading and evapotranspiration
• Improved air quality by filtering pollutants
• Water retention to prevent flooding
• Noise reduction and enhanced urban comfort
• Improved mental well-being and quality of life

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that every urban residence should be located no more than 300 meters from a green space of at least 0.5–1 hectare. Moreover, expanding urban forest cover to 30% could prevent up to 40% of heat-related deaths (The Lancet).

Innovative Solutions for Cooling Cities

One of the most effective ways to combat the urban heat island effect is greening tram lines. Vegetation between the tracks can reduce temperatures by up to 50%, preventing track deformation and reducing the need for frequent inspections. In addition, such initiatives help create cooler microclimates, improve air quality, and make urban spaces more pleasant for communities.

Our Commitment

In the face of climate challenges, nature-based solutions are essential. We are a dedicated and experienced team, ready to support our partners in developing sustainable projects using eco-friendly technologies and high-quality materials. We aim to make cities greener, cooler, and healthier. Join us in this mission!