Green roofs for biodiversity - the idea stems from seminal work on the subject by Dr. Stepahn Brenneisen in Switzerland. This video shows the trasformation of s green roof designed for biodiversity over a 5 year period, from installation in 2005 until the summer of 2010.

The use of variety of green roof substrates/growing mediums, including conventional lava, aluvial gravels from the original footprint and local sands provides for a range of potential habitats for invertebrates. Seeded wth a mix of local seed mixes and sedums, the vegetation replicates local dry grasslands associated with Rhineland alluvial gravels. Jakob Burkhardt building is in Basel, Switzerland and was designed by Dr. Stepahn Brenneisen. THe Basel construction law insists that all roofs are designed for rare spiders, beetles and bees. Notice the butterflies and the black redstart in the video. Livingroofs with Swiss Partners run tours to Switzerland every year to visit green roofs - this roof is on the itinery.

Other Swiss green roofs that maybe of interest:

Moos Filtration Plant - one of the seven wonders of the green roof world!

Zurich Hauptbanhhof - a green roof designed for lizards.