Industry Leaders Support Innovative European Union Policy Advancements Regarding Green Infrastructure
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An aerial view of a district in Duesseldorf, Germany
Introduction
As the year draws to a close, it's a time for both reflection on past achievements and future planning. Significant changes are expected in Europe next year, with European Elections scheduled for June 6-9, 2024. This event will engage millions of Europeans and shape the trajectory of European institutions from 2024 to 2029. The new European Parliament's political composition will notably influence the appointment of a new European Commission president and Commissioners, consequently impacting the lives of citizens and beyond. But let's start by reviewing the latest policy developments and our accomplishments, then move on into future projections and strategic planning.
Undoubtedly, the achievement of this year was the European Parliament and Council of the EU's political agreement on the Nature Restoration Law. This pivotal law encompasses unprecedented mandatory urban green targets, marking a significant milestone. Despite some watering down of the provision's content during political negotiations, the inclusion of an urban dimension in the EU's overarching strategy to restore degraded natural ecosystems is a remarkable achievement. Article 6 mandates that by the end of 2030, Member States must ensure no net loss of green spaces in urban areas, except for those urban ecosystems already comprising over 45% of green space. Post-2031, Member States must strive for an increasing trend in green spaces until reaching a 'satisfactory level,' defined based on the latest scientific evidence. This increasing trend extends to greening buildings and infrastructure.
Under these new regulations, European Union Member States are required to submit National Restoration Plans to the European Commission, outlining their strategies to achieve targets and monitor and report on progress. These plans will initially cover the period until June 2032, and subsequently, will be reviewed every ten years until 2050. Additionally, the provisional agreement tasks the Commission with presenting a report summarizing available financial resources at the EU level, assessing funding requirements, identifying any funding gaps, and proposing adequate funding solutions. Once formally adopted, this political agreement will be published in the EU's Official Journal to become enforceable.
The Nature Restoration Law will create a positive momentum for the greening of cities, and incentivise the deployment of urban green infrastructure like green roofs, walls and urban forests.
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2024 European Elections.
Another significant policy milestone achieved this year was the European Parliament's adoption, with a significant majority, of a report on the revision of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD). This report promotes green and blue infrastructure solutions for stormwater management, significantly enhancing the original proposal initiated by the European Commission. It addresses a gap in the over 30-year-old Directive, by emphasizing the role of green infrastructures in mitigating the adverse effects of stormwater overflows. The UWWTD mandates Member States to prioritize green and blue infrastructure solutions whenever feasible in their mandatory integrated urban wastewater management plans. This will result in an increase in urban green spaces and the curbing of stormwater overflows through nature-based solutions. Additionally, the European Parliament directly mentions green roofs as a wastewater management solution when outlining the mandatory plan contents.
In the upcoming quarter of 2024, the closure of this file will ensue following negotiations between the European Parliament and Member States. Commencing negotiations with a robust stance on green infrastructure from the European Parliament will undoubtedly fortify these policies.
I'm pleased to also acknowledge the recent resolution by the European Parliament on a revised Pollinators Initiative. This resolution underscores the necessity to incorporate biodiversity conservation and ecosystem services into urban planning, specifically to protect pollinator populations. It calls upon Member States to monitor pollinator populations in urban areas and share best practices to create an active network of cities focused on urban pollinator conservation. Crucially, the resolution highlights the role of green roofs and walls in providing habitat for pollinators and contributing to urban resilience and enhancing the quality of life for city residents. This resolution essentially outlines the European Parliament's priorities and requests for successful implementation of the Commission's Revised Pollinators Initiative. Furthermore, the text proposes the establishment of a 'nature fund' in the upcoming European multiannual financial framework (to be defined in 2027) to drive this agenda forward.
Finally, last week, the co-legislators successfully reached an agreement concerning the revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). Despite facing significant challenges during negotiations, the directive now incorporates language conducive to fostering the widespread adoption of green infrastructure within the built environment. Notably, the directive states that Member States of the European Union, in meeting their obligatory requirement to install solar systems on buildings, must establish and publish national-level criteria for effectively implementing these obligations. In devising these criteria, various factors including structural integrity, integration of green roofs, and appropriate attic and roof insulation must be taken into consideration.
This language is further emphasized in a recital that underscores the importance for Member States to consider integrating solar installations with other roofing functions, such as green roofs or additional building service installations. Moreover, the directive outlines the necessity for upcoming National Buildings Renovation Plans, scheduled for completion by June 2025, to prominently feature the planning of green infrastructure policies and measures. Lastly, the directive mandates that new buildings and those undergoing substantial renovations must address climate change adaptation, indirectly contributing to the advancement of green infrastructures, which play a pivotal role in this regard.
The final version of the EPBD text, agreed upon by the co-legislators, is now due for formal approval by the European Parliament and Member States in the forthcoming weeks.
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View of the city residential areas of Hamburg from above. City buildings, houses, streets and cars.
The increased policy and regulatory attention given to green infrastructure in urban areas demonstrates progress in Europe. Our contribution to this progression are the result of an innovative collaboration among industry players within the EU Chapter of the EU Green Infrastructure Network. Our cooperative approach transcends competition, pooling industry experiences, competencies, and resources to promote a shared vision for greening European cities. To amplify our efforts and innovative capacities for greater impact, more business leaders need to commit to this endeavour.
The year 2024 holds immense policy significance. We must work diligently to ensure urban green infrastructure remains high on the agenda of the new EU institutions. Forecasts predict around 70 per cent turnover in the members of the European Parliament, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy. Our contribution will be pivotal in facilitating an agreement on the Urban Waste Water Directive. In parallel, we must strive to secure an urban green infrastructure dimension within the forthcoming launch of the EU Water Resilience Initiative, emphasizing green infrastructures’ role in restoring the natural water cycle in urban areas. Additionally, organizing the fourth edition of our European Green Infrastructure Day will bolster partnerships, strengthen existing collaborations, and establish new ones. Simultaneously, we need to explore ways to accelerate the implementation of an expanding body of EU policies and regulations at the local level. Strategies involving raising awareness, education, skills development, financing schemes, and novel business models need careful consideration.
There is much to accomplish, and the future looks promising. But we will need to continue innovating in the way we approach all of the above, alongside industry players who are at the forefront of the transformation towards greener cities.
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Luigi Petito, 48, father of two, is an expert in European public affairs. He is based in Brussels, cross-roads for international affairs and the European Institutions. In 2019 he was invited to establish and lead the European (EU) Chapter of the World Green Infrastructure Network. Since then, he follows EU policy and regulatory developments related to green infrastructure and advocates for a systematic integration of green infrastructure in urban areas.
