12 and 13 September, six rooftops across The Hague will open to the public. Three locations are taking part for the first time this year: Leiden University, Centrum Laakhavens and Living Lab Binckhaven. Returning participants are EnergieKas Helena, De Bijenkorf and the Ministry of the Navy. Visitors can take part in guided tours, activities and inspiration sessions exploring the possibilities offered by The Hague’s rooftops.
On the roof of Leiden University, visitors can discover how green roofs can help increase biodiversity in the city. At Centrum Laakhavens, various green-roof applications will be showcased, including innovative systems that help buildings cope better with heat and extreme rainfall. Living Lab Binckhaven will demonstrate how smart technologies, a rooftop wildflower meadow and innovative solutions can contribute to a greener city.
Isabelle Broeders, Deputy Mayor for Public Space: “Some of the most valuable green space in The Hague can be found not on the ground, but above our heads. Our rooftops offer space that we can use for more purposes. By doing so, we can make the city more pleasant, reduce the impact of heat and heavy rainfall, and make better use of existing buildings. This is a sensible, efficient way to prepare our city for the future. By transforming the roof of City Hall, the municipality is leading by example and showing how much potential our roofs offer.”
Municipality leads by example
The municipality is making increasing use of the rooftop space on its own buildings. More than 5,200 square metres of green roofing is being installed on City Hall, the Central Library and the Forum building.
Around 35 per cent of rooftops in The Hague are already being used for purposes such as solar panels, green roofs or water storage. Uit je Dak highlights how much more potential remains. From saving energy and storing rainwater to adding more greenery to neighbourhoods, the city’s rooftops can offer far more than may be apparent at first sight.
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