France Declares All New Rooftops Must Be Topped With Plants Or Solar Panels

Chelsea W.
Chelsea W.
May 27, 2015

French environmentalists cheered as France passed a law mandating all new buildings being built in commercial zones must be partially covered in either plants or solar panels. This law will stimulate the trend of "green roofs" that provide multiple benefits for both the building they are stationed on and for the environment. These roofs help regulate temperatures on the building and lowers heating/cooling costs. They also capture and retain runoff water while providing a place for birds to live in an urban landscape. How can laws like this be implemented in other places like North America? Read the article and then comment below! http://csglobe.com/france-declares-all-new-rooftops-must-be-topped-with-plants-or-solar-panels/


Replies: 2

Steven_Spicer
Steven_Spiceralmost 11 years ago
This was a great article! Thanks for sharing! I only wish we implement similar laws before our pollution gets much worse! I'll have to add France to my GreenBuilding Destinations right up there with Seattle and Portland! Look at this list of the top 10 Green Cities in the US, Boston ranks high http://www.mnn.com/health/allergies/photos/top-10-green-us-cities/1-portland-ore
Chelsea W.
Chelsea W.almost 11 years ago
Very cool article Steven! When you categorize the Greenest Cities, you notice most of them are on the West Coast. I wonder why that is. Just from the brief descriptions it sounds like having dedicated bike lanes is a huge contributor. Also, many of these cities have a food related contributor like either being vegetarian friendly or promoting composting. Now if we could just get more cities to adapt these strategies!
On Steven_Spicer:This was a great article! Thanks for sharing! I only wish we implement similar laws before our pollution gets much…
Jason L.
Jason L.almost 11 years ago
Thank you for sharing! So many are unaware all of the elements that make a city, product, or service green or sustainable.

Chelsea W.
Chelsea W.
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I am a junior at Boston University majoring in Environmental Analysis and Policy. I am in the dual degree program and will also be receiving an MA in Energy and Environment upon graduation. I would like to learn more about the green building industry, especially in the New York metropolitan area.