Green-roof research in European Commission technical guidance

Joint Research Centre · EU Green Public Procurement criteria for buildings

At a glance

Role: Co-author of cited research
Host: European Commission · Joint Research Centre

The story

Research in the technical evidence for sustainable procurement

Professor Amir’s green-roof review is used repeatedly in the European Commission Joint Research Centre’s 2024 background report for revising EU Green Public Procurement criteria for buildings. The report draws on the research in its biodiversity analysis to explain green-roof components, planting choices and environmental benefits.

From building design to public-sector purchasing

Written by Ángela Ranea Palma, María González Torres, Zahara Pérez Arribas and Shane Donatello, the report provides technical background for proposed criteria covering offices, educational buildings and social housing. The review by Umberto Berardi, Professor Amir and Ali GhaffarianHoseini contributes to discussion of roof systems and vegetation in this policy-development resource.

Earlier public-administration best practice

JRC’s 2019 report “Best Environmental Management Practice for the Public Administration Sector” also draws on the review when comparing green-roof costs and summarising economic benefits and barriers. The report provided the basis for the EMAS public-administration Sectoral Reference Document, extending the research’s reach into the technical evidence behind environmental management guidance.

Research and coauthor credit

State-of-the-art analysis of the environmental benefits of green roofs — Umberto Berardi; AmirHosein GhaffarianHoseini; Ali GhaffarianHoseini. DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.10.047

Evidence