GREENO2 FEATURED IN LA REPUBBLICA: ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE CITIES THROUGH GREEN ROOFS

The GREENO2 – Green Roofs in Higher Education Institutions as Sustainable Centers for Research, Participation, Environmental Consciousness and O₂ Generation Erasmus+ project has been featured in the Italian national newspaper La Repubblica, highlighting its contribution to sustainable urban development and environmental innovation.

The article presents GREENO2 as a strong example of collaboration between universities and institutions, bringing together partners from Italy, Ukraine, Greece, Poland, Romania, and Spain. Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, the project aims to promote the use of green roofs and urban green spaces as effective tools to mitigate climate change and reduce the urban heat island effect, particularly in densely populated areas.

According to the project coordinator, Professor Andrea Colantoni (University of Tuscia), green infrastructures play a crucial role in improving microclimatic conditions in cities while contributing to environmental sustainability both locally and globally.

Key Project Achievements

• Over the course of its implementation, GREENO2 has delivered several important results:
• Development of a comprehensive handbook on green roofs, addressing both academic audiences and the wider public
• Creation of an AI-based digital platform to support the design and management of green roofs
• Organization of multilingual online courses (MOOCs) aimed at academic staff and stakeholders
• Implementation of a prototype green roof equipped with sensors, enabling data collection for scientific research

These activities contribute to raising awareness about renewable energy, sustainable urban solutions, and innovative environmental practices.

Strengthening Environmental Awareness

A central outcome of the project is the growing interest and engagement from students, academics, public institutions, and local communities. GREENO2 promotes not only scientific knowledge but also active participation and dialogue among stakeholders, supporting the integration of sustainability into everyday practices.

Looking Ahead

Following the project’s completion, future actions will focus on:

• Continuous development and updating of the digital platform
• Expansion of research activities, particularly based on experimental green roof data
• Promotion of energy efficiency and reduction of energy consumption in urban environments

By combining research, education, and innovation, GREENO2 continues to contribute to the transition towards greener, more resilient cities.