Research in the spotlight: Sustainable roofs for the future
Rooftops are key to sustainability. Researchers from VU Amsterdam and the UT are testing an innovative green roof with circular solar panels.
Research in the spotlight: Sustainable roofs for the future
In Research in the Spotlight, we highlight an innovative project that has emerged from a collaboration funded through the Alliance VU-UT Internal Call. This time, we delve into a remarkable study: Integrated Sustainable Roofs, led by Katinka Quintelier (VU). This research builds on Cities to Nature, led by Sean Vink, Ruben Gouveia and Peter Chemweno (UT), alongside Nicolien van der Grijp and Katinka Quintelier (VU), and expands on previous initiatives related to green roofs, such as RESILIO (a collaboration between, among others, VU Amsterdam and the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA)).
The role of roofs in sustainability
Roofs are playing an increasingly important role in urban climate management in the Netherlands. Rising temperatures cause roofs to heat up more quickly, leading to higher energy consumption and increased heat stress in cities. At the same time, roofs present significant opportunities for sustainability, such as generating renewable energy and enhancing biodiversity. The Integrated Sustainable Roofs project lays the groundwork for the transition to native, sustainable roofs that not only contribute to a healthier climate but also enable a more sustainable energy supply.
Innovation: native greenery and circular solar panels
The research focuses on combining two innovative technologies: native vegetation and circular solar panels. Native plants require less maintenance and fertilisation while supporting greater biodiversity. Circular solar panels can be reused, reducing waste and making material use more efficient. The researchers aim to discover whether this combination not only generates more energy but also improves building temperature regulation – cooler in summer, better insulated in winter – while boosting biodiversity.
From research to practice: feasibility and education
Beyond technical performance, the financial feasibility and scalability of sustainable roofs are also being examined. In collaboration with various industry partners and research institutions, the project explores how these innovations can be implemented on a larger scale. Additionally, educational modules are being developed for fields such as business administration, public governance and urban planning. By sharing these insights with both researchers and professionals, the project aims to create broad support for the transition to sustainable roofs in the Netherlands.
What’s next?
The collaboration between VU Amsterdam and the UT has expanded to include the HvA and TU Delft. Together, they are now testing an innovative native green roof with circular solar panels at The Green Village – the field lab for sustainable innovation on the TU Delft campus, which is also actually inhabited. This setup offers a unique opportunity to measure and further improve the effectiveness of this combination in practice.
On 24 April, the research team will present their project and foster collaboration during an interactive workshop. Experts, policymakers, scientists, citizens and other stakeholders will discuss the impact and application of sustainable roofs. Together, they will develop business models, determine the necessary data, and explore how citizens can contribute – all with the goal of transforming our rooftops into sustainable, green spaces.
Want to contribute? Sign up!
The 24 April workshop is a great opportunity to exchange insights and network around the challenge of scaling up sustainable roofs. Interested in joining the conversation or making new connections? Sign up now!