The city expansion and the agglomeration of buildings, with the consequent reduction of green areas and soil sealing causes negative impact in the environment and population. It can be seen that if we modify the process of evapotranspiration and hidric balance of the urban surface, we are adding to increase the vulnerability of the population at the risks of inundation, heat waves, landslides, among others. In this context, has been recognized that the buildings can contribute for the mitigation of some of these problems, promoting a better environmental integration of the cities and a better management of resources, including water and energy. The green roofs are an example of sustainable construction, it is intended the promotion of the mitigation of some of these problems.

Several European cities have promoted the utilization of these kind of systems, as through the encouragement to the utilization, as through legislative measures. It is important to notice that these measures, which promote a greener economy and contribute to the reduction of the energy consumption , are among the priorities defined in the 2020 Europe strategy. The green roofs, allow, thus, introduce benefits in the cities and buildings, contributing this way for a healthier life.  

The introduction of these green elements in the urban space is responsible for the mitigation of the heat island effect and for the fixation of pollutants. Even permit to reduce the noise levels, retard the rainwater’s draining, prevent the risks of floods, and reduce the energy consumption, through a better thermal insulation of buildings. Whereas, green roofs are compatible with the installation of rainwater reuse systems in buildings, reinforce the the sustainable potential of the solution.