Video

In conversation: How Rotterdam is using rooftops to create space for parks, solar and more

Rotterdam has an estimated 18 square kilometres of unused flat roof. Since around 2008, the city has been working to transform rooftops into green and blue roofs (designed to store water), as well as solar roofs and those that serve social, mobility and residential functions.

In this 24 minute video the City of Rotterdam’s rooftop park project manager, Paul van Roosmalen, explains what the city is doing, how, and his advice for other municipalities looking to develop their rooftops. The conversation was filmed in Dakpark, a huge rooftop park above a shopping centre which doubles as a dyke that protects the city from coastal flooding. The park itself also reduces flash flood risk and provides much-needed green space in a densely populated and built-up area.

Paul explains that, in Rotterdam’s experience, the first phase is the hardest. His advice includes:

  • Most rooftops are not owned by the municipality. As well as converting municipally-owned rooftops, start with incentives – the ‘carrot’ – to encourage others to transform their roofs. Rotterdam offers subsidies for rooftop conversions, as well as support including advice and a web-based tool that allows building owners to understand the options for their roof. As these projects provide value for the city, they are paid for by the municipality or, for instance, the waterboard.
  • To begin, go where there is enthusiasm. Look for supportive voices within the municipal government but also among residents, businesses, community groups and others. Partner and work with them to co-create rooftops plans. The impetus for Dakpark initially came from local residents who lobbied for more green space in their neighbourhood.
  • When the city’s rooftop transformation is in motion, next comes what Paul calls the ‘preach’ phase, where Rotterdam is now. This is about raising awareness to help people understand the value rooftops can offer to building owners and the wider city. As part of Rotterdam’s awareness raising effort, since 2015 the city government has hosted an annual Rooftop Days festival which includes a cultural programme as well as a Rooftop Knowledge Day for professionals.
  • Regulations – the ‘stick’ – can come last. The City of Rotterdam’s powers to regulate with building codes and other legislative tools are limited, mostly set at national level. Rotterdam is currently advocating for changes to new buildings legislation.
  • Municipalities looking to develop their rooftops don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Rotterdam has borrowed Paris’s seven-pillar approach, which Paul explains in the video. It involves informing, inspiring through sample projects, stimulating investment, policy development, creating a network by connecting involved players, innovating and experimenting, and influencing decision makers at national level to adjust laws and legislation.
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Source:

https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/In-conversation-How-Rotterdam-is-using-rooftops-to-create-space-for-parks-solar-and-more?language=en_US

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