Summary

The global green roof market has seen robust growth, with the segment valued at nearly $7.19 billion in 2020 and set to reach $12.5 billion by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 9.7%. North America leads the market, followed by Europe and Asia. In France, a dynamic market lagging behind its neighbors is promising, with a potential of 10 million square metres by 2020. Growth is being driven by increasing urbanization, with demand coming mainly from the public sector, motivated by improved environmental performance and the development of urban agriculture. Despite the high costs involved, both the private and public sectors are willing to invest in green roofs because of the long-term benefits, such as energy economies, biodiversity and reduced environmental impact, prompting governments to implement supportive policies and subsidies.

Towards a Green Horizon: the rise of Green Roofs in France

The French market is characterized by a concentration of small, specialized players and a few large construction companies, with most materials produced domestically. Price competition remains moderate due to the youth of the market, and R&D remains essential for product and service innovation. Maintenance costs vary between €5 and €10/m²/year, with intensive roofing being the most expensive type, averaging €170/m². The market chain requires capital investment, with low technological barriers to entry and openness to new entrants, offering significant growth opportunities: Growing demand for green roofs in the French market At the heart of a dynamic, environmentally-conscious age, demand for green roofs in France is booming. Largely influenced by public sector initiatives and growing public interest in ecological solutions, the market for these green installations is booming.

Green roofs, which cleverly layer substrates and living plants on top of buildings, provide more than just aesthetic beauty. They offer functional benefits such as improved thermal insulation, rainwater management and enhanced urban biodiversity. Recognized for their durability and ecological qualities, green roofs have been widely adopted by public entities such as schools, municipal buildings and urban redevelopment projects. The French market, although smaller than pioneers such as Germany, has witnessed a steady increase in green roof installations. In recent years, France has installed an additional 1.3 million square meters of green roofs, which, although only fluctuating between 8% and 25% of total new roof surfaces per year, highlights significant progress and room for growth.

In monetary terms, sales of green roofs in France range from around 78 million euros to 221 million euros, testifying to the financial vitality and potential of this sector. Demand segmentation reveals a market primarily focused on integrating green roofs into new buildings, with renovations accounting for a minor share. However, the latter sector is on the rise, driven by large-scale projects, often involving office buildings and educational establishments. Interestingly, more than half of the French population - around 57% - are prepared to invest in home insulation, including green roofs, to help preserve the environment.

Public demand has sparked a burgeoning interest among private individuals, as evidenced by the growing number of green roof installations for personal use. This trend is aided by government subsidies and incentives, such as those offered by the Île-de-France region, which provides up to 20 euros per square meter for green roof projects. The French green roof market is dynamic and poised for growth. With strong public support and a population inclined to environmental stewardship, demand for these living roofs can only prosper, catalyzing a greener horizon for urban landscapes

An overview of market leaders

As urban landscapes thirst for greener, more sustainable transformations, the green roof crusade finds its champions in a variety of specialist companies. Each of these market leaders brings a unique shade of green to roofs around the world, propelling the market forward through innovation, dedication and ecological passion.

  • Le Prieuré Végétal iD: Le Prieuré Végétal iD is a pioneer in the field of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive green roofs, positioning itself as a beacon of green innovation. With a presence that extends from Spain to North America and the Nordic countries, they are not only leaders in France, but also important players on the international scene. Their broad portfolio features a range of ready-to-use green roof systems designed for functionality, aesthetics and biodiversity.
  • Sopranature: Sopranature is another key player in the history of green roofs in France. Renowned for its talent in designing complete green roof solutions, it has established itself as a national and regional powerhouse. It caters to customers looking for easy-to-assemble turnkey systems, helping to democratize the adoption of green roofs.
  • Optigreen: An internationally renowned brand, Optigreen contributes to the field of green roofs by focusing on research and development. Its products are easy to install and export worldwide, making it a preferred source for environmentally-friendly construction needs.
  • Argex: A supplier of specialized components, Argex has consolidated its reputation by focusing on expanded clay. Its flagship product, nicknamed "Argex", testifies to its influence in the industry. It specializes in offering unique components that form the building blocks of green roofs.
  • Knauf: Known for its premium waterproofing substrates and drainage systems, Knauf is a specialist component supplier to the green roof market. By focusing on the foundations that ensure the longevity and efficiency of green roofs, Knauf plays a crucial role in supporting the industry's infrastructure.
  • Harmonie: Recognizing the importance of green roof maintenance, Harmonie has developed specialized maintenance services to meet the needs of extensive, semi-intensive and intensive roof gardens. These maintenance services ensure that green roofs don't just emerge, but thrive over time, offering support that goes beyond the initial installation.
  • Bio de la toiture: meets the demand for DIY green roof solutions.
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  • Number of pages : 30 pages
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  • Last update : 15/03/2023
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Summary and extracts

1 Market overview

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 Analysis of the demand

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 ...

2.4 Les appels d'offre en cours

Plusieurs appels d'offre sont lancés par des acteurs publics et privés pour entamer des projets de construction, de rénovation ou d'entretien de toitures végétalisées. 

On remarque que parmi ces appels d'offre, un seul acteur commanditaire fait partie du secteur privé (***), contre * acteurs publics. 

3 Market structure

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 Analysis of the offer

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 Regulation

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 ...

6 Positioning of the actors

6.1 Segmentation

  • Soprema Groupe
  • SMAC
  • Eco Végétal
  • Optigruen Optigreen
  • Tracer
  • Le Prieuré Végétal
  • Vert-tical
  • Mon Toit Vert
  • Atelier du végétal
  • Pépinière du Chardon bleu
  • Topager
  • Axter (Groupe Colas)
  • Derbigum

List of charts

  • Global turnover of the green roof market
  • Répartition des commandes en fonction du secteur
  • Le point de vue des villes sur la relation entre santé publique et espaces verts
  • Postes de travaux plébiscités en 2022
  • Household requests for housing
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Latest news

Soprema boosts phytodepuration on roofs - 04/10/2023
  • 30% reduction in water consumption thanks to the phytodepuration system.
  • thickness of roof-mounted phytodepuration system: approx. 20 cm.
  • Weight of system: approx. 300 kg per square metre (including water).
  • Duration of Skywater Clear development project: 5 years.
  • Soprema sales: 4.8 billion euros.
On rooftops, Topager mixes planting and urban agriculture - 17/10/2022
  • Sales in 2021: €2 million
  • Employees: 30
  • 5 hectares of green roofs
  • design and implementation of urban agriculture and non-edible greening projects
  • The Covid crisis has accelerated demand for green roofs

Companies quoted in this study

This study contains a complete overview of the companies in the market, with the latest figures and news for each company. :

Soprema Groupe
SMAC
Eco Végétal
Optigruen Optigreen
Tracer
Le Prieuré Végétal
Vert-tical
Mon Toit Vert
Atelier du végétal
Pépinière du Chardon bleu
Topager
Axter (Groupe Colas)

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