World-wide the number of inhabitants living in urban areas grows every year. As a result, paved (sealed) areas increase and there is an equivalent loss of agricultural land and other unpaved areas. In Germany for example, the total paved area increases by approximately 100 ha every day.

The vegetation on and within buildings could be one solution to mitigate the negative effects of urban land use and to meet national and regional regulatory requirements. The environmentally beneficial integration of vegetation and the built environment is the cornerstone of biophilic architecture.

Green roofs are multi-benefit systems:
- They can enhance the biodiversity in Cities.
- The life cycle costs of green roofs can be lower than the costs of conventional roofs so the building inhabitants can save money.
- Green roofs are additional urban open spaces with benefits for recreation and amenity.
- They can help reduce the urban heat-island effect, making the urban environment more comfortable and requiring less reliance on air conditioning.
- Green roofs can be used to reduce requirement for storm water drainage infrastructure.

Façade and interior vegetation may also share many of the benefits of green roofs.

Changes in ecosystems are a slow process. The GREEN ROOF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE in Neubrandenburg is continuing long term research studies started in the 1980’s to quantify the above benefits by monitoring vegetation in and on buildings.

The GREEN ROOF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE is an integral part of the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg. The students of Landscape Architecture learn about the technical and ecological requirements of Green roofs during their studies. Colleagues from a number of disciplines within the University collaborate with the research activities.