On September 25, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting the workshop “Green Roofs: Unlock the Impact!” at New Lab Backyard in Rotterdam during the Placemaking Europe 2024. The session was a mix of engaging discussions, hands-on activities, and collective learning that truly showcased our commitment to sustainable urban development.
IRINA KHOKHLOVA – architect & urban sustainability expert
Irina Khokhlova is an experienced architect and urban sustainability expert based in Rotterdam, where she is the local catalyst for the ‘ What’s that green? network. With a background in Architecture and a Master’s in Urban Management and Development, Irina is passionate about transforming cities into sustainable and biodiverse spaces. As a Sustainability Advisor at Drietech & Verhoef, she focuses on implementing green infrastructure solutions, especially green rooftops, to enhance urban climate resilience. Irina is committed to driving positive change in urban spaces and enjoys sharing her expertise through workshops and collaborative projects.
Throughout the workshop, participants collaborated in groups to assess green roofs using real-world data and models. Together, we had a deep dive deep into the multi-faced benefits of green roofs, examining how they can effectively manage stormwater, enhance building energy efficiency, and combat the urban heat island effect.
Each group tackled calculations and shared their insights, comparing findings across various models related to stormwater management, energy performance, and urban heat mitigation. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and creativity that everyone brought to the table, reflecting a shared passion for creating resilient and sustainable cities.
We hope everyone left with valuable insights and practical tools they can apply to their projects and communities. As we continue to explore the potential of green roofs, we encourage all participants to keep the conversation going and work together toward more sustainable urban solutions. Your engagement truly makes a difference!
A special thank you to Irina Khokhlova, our local catalyst in Rotterdam, for leading such a dynamic session. Let’s keep unlocking the potential of green roofs as we pave the way for a greener future!
Thank you to all the participants for being a part of this impactful workshop!
Image credits: Placemaking Europe