The green roof market - France

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 is estimated to reach $**.* billion.

Breakdown of building materials, by use  

According to Technavio, the green roofing materials market is the second most prevalent sector in the green building materials industry.according to Technavio, the green building materials market is the second most important sector in the green building materials industry (***), behind green insulation.

The trend of increasing urbanization and the construction of new buildings and housing is encouraging the development of green roofs. In addition to this, the conversion of existing roofs is a growing segment.

The green roof produces interesting effects (***) especially in tropical areas and could see a stronger development in the regions of South America, South East Asia and Equatorial Africa. Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China could thus drive the global growth of green roofs. By ****, Asia will be one of the regions with the highest demand for green roofs, especially to address pollution and ...

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 impression. While the sector has since seen a good recovery, with an average of ***,*** new homes built each year (***) and growth of *.*% between August and October ****, these developments remain erratic and subject to the legislative context, as in the case of the sudden drop in new home construction in July ****.

Against this backdrop, the green roof market in France is still small and fairly new, but it is growing strongly. Green roofs are very popular there as part of urban design. France is thus one of the countries in Europe where green roofs are the most widespread, despite a delay compared to some of its neighbors such as Germany.

Source: ****

As illustrated in this graph, the activity of PCVH is on an upward trend with a slight cyclical slowdown since ****. This slowdown corresponds to an adjustment of the PCVH offer to consumer expectations. In France in ****, the green roof market ...

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 and maintenance of the elements vertically. The adoption of such walls also has an impact on the interior luminosity of the buildings and the environmental impact of such a wall will be much lessened when additional lights must be installed inside the building.

We can note the positive impact of green walls on the heating energy consumption of buildings, as it was shown as early as **** by Ottelé et al. in a scientific thesis.

Market size

The size of the green wall market is difficult to assess due to the diversity of actors: walls installed by local authorities, by private companies, by individuals, etc. It would seem that this is a very small segment of the urban greening market. However, we can use the figures of Adivet, communicated in the report of the Mission Economie et Biodiversité: the greening of walls would represent **** m² per year. This figure seems to ...

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 the remaining **% corresponded to individual housing.

On the other hand, in France, ***,*** new housing units were started (***). Among these new buildings, the share of green roofs is increasing over the years despite a slight slowdown in activity since ****. According to Devistravaux, it is estimated that less than *% of private housing in France is currently vegetated. According to Adivet, less than *% of the roofs built each year are greened.

Local authorities and public institutions are starting to be interested in this type of solution in France. Indeed, it is estimated that in public institutions, despite the high cost of installing green roofs, in the long term the cost of the green roof represents on average less than *% of the total cost of the project. In the long term, the cost of a green roof represents on average less than *% of the total costs and is likely to generate an improvement in ...

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 introduce more flowers to allow for beehives to be placed on the roof.

The Biodiversity Positive guide for households wishing to install a green roof shows that roofs can meet many needs. If one wishes to help preserve a species, then the roof will need to respect the use of certain plants. Consumers are also looking for roofs with better thermal and sound insulation performance. Rainwater management is also a dimension that companies must take into account when designing this type of roof.

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 particles in the atmosphere thanks to the plants.

Moreover, the presence of green roofs allows the development of micro-environments that can shelter insects or allow the installation of beehives in urban or semi-urban areas.

Finally, they allow for better heat containment and the development of biodiversity. The installation of a green roof can allow for energy savings of up to **% thanks to its thermal insulation.

In order to preserve the environment, would you be willing to undertake work to insulate your home? France, ****, in Source: ****

We can therefore notice a positive trend in behaviors leading to a growth of the green roofs market: the BVA Group survey above shows that **% of French people would be ready to insulate their home to reduce their impact on the environment, in addition to the **% already doing so.

This encourages the public sector to boost the market.

For the moment in France, the sector ...

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. 

3.1 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, ****, in number of employees

Source: ****

NAF code: **.**A. The NAF code takes into account all companies that produce goods or services in the waterproofing field. There are therefore several companies: green roofing companies, more traditional roofing companies, insulation companies ...

Among the ** French metropolitan regions, the Île-de-France region has the largest number of companies and employees, with almost twice as many in the other regions.the top region among the ** French metropolitan areas is the Île-de-France, which has more than twice as many companies and employees as its runner-up, the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which has *,*** employees working in waterproofing companies. Third place goes to the Grand Est region with *,*** employees.

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 sector.

The concentration of the sector is quite low. There are many small players in this market, specializing in botany or environmental services. In addition, there are many groups in the building and waterproofing sector with activities in roof greening. As a result, the number of mergers and acquisitions in the sector is quite low, especially since the large companies in the sector are often diversified to many building trades.

Some French players are also established abroad, such as Le Prieuré Végétal iD, which is present in Spain, North America, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark. The majority of the players in this market operate on a national or even regional level.

Most of the plants and substrates used in these roofs are directly produced in France. Some groups specializing in vegetation have developed their own plant cultivation fields or greenhouses for mosses or common plants such as ...

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 organization and a rigorous management of stocks (***).

Once the different layers of materials have been installed on the roof by workers and the substrate deposited, cultivation can be done in three ways: sowing plant fragments or seeds, planting shoots in clods of earth or in buckets, or laying pre-cultivated layers (***).

AMO : Assistance to the project owner

The above diagram illustrates the chain of actors involved in the process of installing green roofs and the different phases of the implementation of greening projects.

As part of the French government's plan for energy transition, green roof installation services are subject to the reduced VAT rate of *.*% applicable to energy renovation work in order to stimulate demand in the sector.

The direct installation of the green roof by the private individual is an option that is experiencing significant popularity. The private individual can choose, once the membrane is installed, to install the green ...

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 up.

It is important to know that in rainy weather, in a residential dwelling, the weight of the green roof will increase and can reach up to ***kg/m².

Once this precaution has been taken, the client can contact a vegetation service provider such as a design office directly in order to establish an estimate. It is necessary to file a building permit which will have to be accepted by the urban planning office or the town hall. In most cases, this is a simple formality.

Source: ****

The duration of the work is quite fast, generally from a few days to one week for a residential dwelling and several weeks for a larger building.

For optimal efficiency, the roof should not be steeply sloped (***) and should receive sufficient sunlight to ensure the survival of the plants. Ideally, it should be easy to access to allow maintenance after the planting.

It is ...

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 carpet. It is generally composed of sedum and low plants. This type of roof is thus adapted to light and strong slopes. It is also composed of a substrate of ** to ** cm maximum thickness. Its soil does not require regular watering or maintenance, except in periods of severe drought. The substrate of this type of roof is composed of up to **% of porous materials to better conserve water for plant growth. This type of roof is suitable for wooden, steel or concrete supports that can support a load of ** to *** kg/m². This type of roof can contain short vegetation such as natural grassland, succulent plants or mosses.

Example of an extensive roof

Source: ****

Semi-extensive roof: This type of roof contains a larger volume of substrate between ** cm and ** cm thick. It allows for a wider choice of low to medium perennials, grasses, bulbs or other plants. The maintenance required ...

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 higher.

There are several types of green roofs depending on the structure of the roof and its purpose.

Extensive roof: this type of roof is the simplest and least expensive to implement. It includes a thin layer of substrate. The cost of installing an extensive green roof (***) will vary between **€ and ***€ per square meter. The average price for an extensive roof is about **€/m². Semi-extensive roof: this type of roof is more expensive, but allows a greater plant diversity with a larger volume of substrate. The price of a square meter at installation is generally between ** and ***€/m². The average price for the semi-extensive roof is about ***€/m². Intensive roof: this type of green roof includes a very thick layer of substrate and is similar to a roof garden. The cost per square meter of this type of structure is often between *** and ***€, or even more depending on specific needs. ...

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, as between **** and ****, the flat roofing market segment grew by *.*% in value and *.*% in volume.

Breakdown of roof deck flooring types France, ****, in Source: ****

In ****, **% of all flat roofs are green roofs and this share is expected to grow, taking over the bituminous membrane flat roofs market segment.

Some associations or companies are looking for green roofs that can be used for urban agriculture activities. To meet all these new needs, companies are investing in the research of new innovative products that can meet these new needs.

as an example, we can mention a connected roof that won the Gold Medal at the Mondial du Bâtiment in ****, whose objective is to retain rainwater to relieve the river system, all connected by computer to take into account water stocks.

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 L***-*-*.

On March **, **** the "Biodiversity" law was approved by the National Assembly. This text aims to make the production of renewable energy and the greening of roofs on new commercial surfaces mandatory. In ****, however, this amendment was removed following its criticism by the Senate due to a lack of scientific studies and a carbon footprint to be nuanced. The law of reconquest of biodiversity of August *, **** provides that the new green roof systems implemented must provide "a high degree of thermal efficiency and insulation and promoting (***) biodiversity". This law text although rather vague reinforces the expectations of public authorities in terms of quality of service.

The RE **** regulation

In January ****, a new regulation modifying the panorama of raw materials in the construction sector was to be implemented: the RE****, the Environmental Regulation ****. Unfortunately, due to the Covid-** pandemic, the implementation of this regulation has been postponed to January ****.

The ...

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 decide to build or renovate your flat roof, you will be able to benefit from the previously mentioned subsidies.[***]

The tax credit for energy transition

The energetic renovation of a roof terrace allows to obtain this subsidy up to *** € per m² for the external insulation and *** € per m² for the internal insulation. This premium is deducted from your income tax. **% of the expenses including all taxes are deducted from the total price of the installation and the supplies.

The reduced rate VAT of the Ademe

Energy renovation work is subject to a reduced VAT rate of *.*% or **% when the work is done by professionals.

The zero rate loan

This loan offers the possibility to consumers to borrow up to ** *** € repayable over ** or ** years, without interest rate.

The "habiter mieux" program

This aid allows consumers to redo their thermal insulation of your roof before greening it. It is limited to ** *** € HT ...

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
• Alegina
• Amaeva Toiture EPDM