1.1 Definition and scope of the study

The greening of a roof or Horizontal Vegetated Complex Wall (known as "HVCW") can be defined as the installation of a set of materials and plants composing a microflora with a water drainage system. The installation of green roofs is more adapted for new buildings, however the greening of existing roofs is possible. Shis installation must be compatible with the existing structure of the roof (slab...) and the existing materials (concrete, wood...). The technique was developed in architecture in the 1970s mainly in Scandinavian countries, Germany, Switzerland and more recently in France and Belgium in the 1990s and 2000s.

A green roof is composed of several superimposed layers:

A supporting structure
A vapour barrier
An insulating layer
A drainage and filtration layer with an anti-root surface
A substrate
A vegetation

According to the French Chamber of Waterproofing (CSFE), green roofs have much better waterproofing qualities than traditional roofs, thusincreasing durability (heat reduction, water filtration, pollution control, etc.) this technique was developed in architecture in the 1970s, mainly in Scandinavian countries, Germany, Switzerland and more recently in France and Belgium in the 1990s and 2000s.

The global green roof market has been growing strongly since 2014, dominated by the North American market followed by the European and then the Asian market and driven by the construction and urbanization policies of major metropolises.

The French green roof market is dynamic although it lags relatively behind neighbors such as Germany and therefore has significant growth potential.

The demand is still largely public, especially in cities, in relation to commercial or residential areas. The legislative and fiscal framework also plays an important role in stimulating and encouraging the installation of green roofs.

More than the search for a particular aesthetic,innovation is key in this market. Green roofs are constantly improving their environmental performance, whether in terms of their thermal and sound insulation potential, rainwater management or their impact on biodiversity. Green roofs are also prime locations for developing urban agriculture.

1.2 The global market: a fast growing market

Theglobal roofing market was estimated to reach USD ***.** billion by ****, growing at a CAGR of +*.*% during ****-****. [***]

Global green roofing market revenue France, ****-***** Source: ****

As for the global green roofing market segment, it was worth nearly $*.** billion in ****, growing at a CAGR of *.*% since ****. By ****, the global green roof market ...

1.3 A dynamic French market that continues to grow

In general, the evolution of the green roof market is very much linked to the health of the construction market in France. Although this market has a positive outlook in the coming decade on a global scale, in France, it remains fragile after a crisis in **** that has left a lasting ...

1.4 Analysis of the adjacent green roof market, green walls

A green wall is a system, using tiles or plant modules, that allows the integration of vegetation into building facades.

The construction of green walls can be distinguished from that of green roofs by the additional skills it requires. Indeed, the construction of green walls includes an additional difficulty, the installation ...

2.1 A segmented demand that is increasingly demanding of the supply

The demand can be divided into two categories: green roofs for new buildings under construction, or the conversion of existing roofs into green roofs.

For the moment, the market for the renovation of existing buildings with green roofs is still very limited (***), commercial and industrial surfaces represented **% of the market and ...

2.2 Rising consumer expectations

Consumers and public authorities have increasing quality requirements for green roofs.

They demand a greater diversity of plants. In order to create a varied and aesthetic microflora, producers must introduce new plant varieties. Consumers are looking for green roofs that can contain more biodiversity. For example, some growers are looking to ...

2.3 An evolution of the ecological virtues sought in cities

Green roofs have environmental benefits,

The popularity of green roofs can be explained by the fact that they are beneficial to the environment in several ways. First, they help prevent flooding in urban areas by reducing rainwater runoff. Secondly, they reduce pollution in urban areas by filtering rainwater and fixing fine ...

3.1 A concentrated market despite a plurality of players

Index of waterproofing sales in value France, ****-****, ICA base **** Source: ****

Between **** and ****, the turnover index for waterproofing work increased by **.** to reach ***.** in ****. The biggest increase is between **** and **** with an increase of +**.** in the turnover index in **** compared to ****. (***).

Distribution of the number of employees working in waterproofing companies.France, ...

3.2 Price competition still weak

The competition on prices between the different green roofing providers is average since the market is still young and the prices are rather similar according to the range of roofing.

The number of green roof providers in France is still quite small and faces a growing demand, especially from the public ...

3.3 The market value chain

The creation of a company in the green roof sector requires a significant capital investment. The need for manpower is intermediate and does not require high qualification. The technological barriers to entry are low and the sector remains fairly open to new entrants. The installation of green roofs requires a significant ...

3.4 The different stages of the work

In the first instance, especially for the renovation of existing roofs, clients must call on a building engineer who will take measurements to ensure that the building structure can support the weight of a green roof.they must then have the desired type of roof designed and precise plans drawn ...

4.1 The different types of roofs

Green roofs are adapted to all climates in France.

Their use is very broad and can range from individual garages to warehouses and schools.

The different types of green roofs can be grouped according to their characteristics into four categories.

Extensive roof : This type of roof is similar to a vegetal ...

4.2 Prices of the different products offered

In general, the price of green roofing services has remained fairly stable in France, but the cost of installing a green roof is still one of the main obstacles to its implementation. If the cost of green roofs is * to * times higher than traditional roofs, their lifespan is also about * times ...

4.3 New types of roofs for new uses

Today, green roof companies offer a wider range of products. We now find green roofs with a steep slope (***). In some cases, consumers prefer landscaped and accessible roofs that can act as a space for relaxation. This style of roofing has seen an increase in popularity as evidenced by the figures, ...

5.1 Regulatory framework

The first standards concerning green roofs

The installation of green roofs is subject to the DTU (***).

A decree of July **** aims to prevent the prohibition of urban planning authorities to oppose the implementation of greening projects on facades and roofs by integrating them into the Urban Planning Code in article ...

5.2 Green roof grants

In France, there are grants available for the restoration or construction of green roofs and flat roofs. However, if you opt for a green roof, you will not be able to benefit from the following subsidies the Tax Credit for Energy Transition (***) and the Anah "habiter mieux" aid, whereas if you ...