To combat rising temperatures, fight pollution and improve the urban environment, world cities from Paris to Madrid are covering themselves in green.

In 2015, a law was passed in France mandating that all new buildings constructed in commercial zones must be partially covered with either solar panels or plants. Madrid is following suit, taking on a similarly ambitious green agenda. This past December, the city in a collaboration with Arup launched ‘Madrid + Natural’, a series of guidelines to introduce more green to the city as part of an effort to tackle climate change. The city has since announced a multi-million euro green infrastructure program with initiatives including the transformation of 22 vacant lots into urban gardens, the greening of the city’s Manzanares River and doubling the size of a riverside linear park first begun in 2003. There will additionally be incentives for the installation of green roofs and facades on buildings throughout the city.

Located inland and far from the moderating effects of the ocean, Madrid has always had a climate of extremes, with cool winters and extreme summer heat. These extremes are expected to intensify with estimates that by 2050, there could be 20% more days of extreme heat accompanied by a more than 25% drop in the city’s accumulated rainfall. And when it does rain, the rain is expected to come in more intense downpours that result in flash floods.

The benefits of greening the city are clear and for the future likely essential. Planting rather than paving assists in managing storm water resulting from flash flooding and in pilot green roof tests, average summer temperatures were reduced by ore than four degrees in some Madrid neighbourhoods. The plan would also have positive effects beyond cutting temperature. Green roofs and walls are also shown to muffle street noise, filter pollution and create habitat for birds, insects and bees.

Tom Armour, Landscape Architecture Group Leader at Arup says ‘Increasing tree cover, flood capacity and providing greener streets and spaces are key elements of green networks, and can positive effects on the economic and social cohesion of neighbourhoods. Research shows that tree-lined streets can encourage people to seek alternative modes of transport and pursue healthier lifestyes; leading to an increased sense of community and belonging.’

All renderings are from Arup’s ‘Madrid + Natural’