In November the Czech Environment Ministry launched a new comprehensive programme to fund ‘green savings’ in the construction sector. The funds will be available from January 2017. As part of the programme, green roofs are eligible for funding. As a result of this announcement, implementation of green roofs in the Czech Republic should get a significant boost.
Prior to this grant, the Czech Green Roof Association created a Green Roof Code of Practice. As a consequence of this, it is likely the Ministry had the confidence that the Czech national green roof industry is mature and able to deliver. The Czech association is a member of the European Federation of Green Roof and Wall Associations,
New Green Savings – The Czech Programme for Greener Buildings
The new programme covers energy savings, green roofs and the use of heat from waste water.
“The construction of green roofs and the use of heat from waste water are now supported on existing houses…and for new houses and apartment buildings…’ the Director of the State Environmental Fund of the Czech Republic, Petr Valdman, said at the announcement.
Support for the Construction of Green Roofs
In the light of this the fund will be granted for the construction of extensive and semi-intensive green roofs. In the first instance the grant only applies to to low-energy residential buildings. However in the future it is expected to apply to family houses too.
However, intensive green roofs will only be supported if the irrigation source is not from potable water. In effect, the intensive green roofs would have to be irrigated using grey or rain water harvesting.
Support is provided in the form of a fixed subsidy of 500Kč (around €18 or £16) per m2 of green roof.
In order to be eligible, the green roof has to:
- Have a minimum substrate thickness of 80mm or more
- The vegetation layer must be formed using the appropriate green roof substrate for the type of roof
- Must use at least 5 sustainable plant species
- The applicant is responsible for the long term maintenance of the green roofs
- Vegetation in a good condition must cover at least two thirds of the green roof area for the whole duration of the funding period (10 years);
- the green roofs must be designed in accordance with the Czech Green Roof Association’s Green Roof Code of Practice (guidelines)
Green Roofs to Flourish in the Republic
Although green roofs have been installed in the Republic for a number years, this grant programme should have a positive effect on the market.
With this in mind, we look forward to hearing updates from our Czech colleagues on the success of the grant programme.
Read more Green savings and Czech Green Roof Guidelines