New law in France requires all new rooftops must be 'green'

Wednesday, September 2, 2015, 4:55 PM - A new law in France -- the first of its kind at the national level -- requires all new buildings constructed in commercial areas must feature either a green roof or solar panels.

Aside from being a sustainable and economic move, the new law will help minimize urban heat island effect -- the increase in temperature due to large quantities of asphalt and concrete structures.

The law came into place shortly before the country's capital city fell under Western Europe's scorching heatwave. Paris saw temperatures nearing 35 C.

DON'T MISS: Four tropical storms raging at the same time.

Many cities have bylaws that ensure a similar concept -- among them, Toronto.

Ontario's capital garnered attention worldwide for being the first North American city to enact a law of this kind. In 2009 Toronto required specific buildings to incorporate rooftop gardens into their design, and these requirements now stand for all industrial buildings, too.

Zurich, Copenhagen, and Tokyo all have similar bylaws enforcing rooftop vegetation or green roof concepts.

Being a nation-wide legislation, visitors to France can expect changes to urban landscape and skylines as green roofs are incorporated into construction.

Thumbnail image courtesy of Derrick. Toronto, ON.

SOURCES: The Washington Post | City of Toronto | Yes Magazine