Bumper year for green roof construction

As sustainable and energy efficient construction continues to rise, the number of planning applications for green roofs across Great Britain in 2016 surged by 34 per cent compared to the figures registered in 2015.

According to recent data, it was the southern regions of England that dominated green roof applications in 2016, accounting for 65 per cent of the total. Regionally, London accounted for the highest number of applications with 266 in the year.

Across all the construction sectors it was housing that generated the most green roof applications in 2016, with 42 per cent of the total, almost three times the amount from the second placed commercial & retail sector.

Until last year, applications for green roofs had been stagnant since 2013. The boost in application numbers has been linked to a number of factors such as biodiversity awareness, environmental effects and the potential financial benefits from installing a green roof.

Commenting on the figures, Michael Dall, Lead Economist at Barbour ABI, said: “With an ever growing concerted effort to make cities greener, it is no surprise to see London lead all regions with 47 per cent of green roof applications in 2016.

"Furthermore, we must also consider the spread of wealth throughout the country - with property and new build projects predominantly more expensive in southern England, residents need a larger income, thus often having more flexibility to add a green roof to their properties.”