What does it cost to install a green roof?

The above prices are indicative, including construction, drainage, substrate, vegetation layer and labor. Constructive adjustments or extra insulation are not included.

Explanation per type

1. Extensive green roof

• Lightweight system (approx. 50–80 kg/m²)
• Vegetation: sedum, succulents
• Maintenance: low (1–2× per year inspection)
• Application: on flat roofs, garages, sheds, houses with suitable load-bearing capacity

Cost indication:

• 20 m² shed roof: € 1,100 – € 1,500
• 50 m² house roof: € 2,500 – € 3,750

2. Intensive green roof (roof garden)

• Heavy system (up to 500 kg/m²)
• Vegetation: grass, shrubs, small trees
• Maintenance: high (comparable to garden)
• Application: only on roofs with reinforced construction

Cost indication:

• 30 m² roof garden: € 3,000 – € 5,000
• 80 m² luxury roof garden: € 8,000 – € 16,000+

3. Herb roof or biodiversity roof

• Mix of sedum, herbs, flowers (insect-friendly)
• Slightly heavier than standard sedum roof (±80–100 kg/m²)
• Maintenance: moderate
• Application: on schools, homes, beehives or eco-houses

Cost indication:

• 25 m² herb mix: € 1,500 – € 2,300

4. Customization (e.g. intensive + walkways)

• Complete roof garden, possibly with terraces, garden paths and irrigation system
• Often requires architectural design
• Can be combined with solar panels

Cost indication:

• 50 m² luxury version: € 10,000 – € 20,000+

Important cost factors

• Load-bearing capacity of roof construction: reinforcement is sometimes required (surcharge: € 50 – € 150 per m²)
• Waterproofing: existing roofing must be in good condition or be replaced
• Roof accessibility: crane or scaffolding increases labor costs
• Type of vegetation and substrate thickness
• Protective layers, root-resistant foil, drainage system

Possible savings

• Subsidy or green loan: many municipalities offer up to €30 – €50 per m² subsidy
• Combination with roof renovation: green roof installation immediately after new roofing is more advantageous
• Self-installation of sedum mats: only for simple extensive systems

Installation via jeofferte.nl

Via jeofferte.nl you can request multiple quotes without obligation for:

• Extensive or intensive green roofs
• Combination with insulation, solar panels or roof renovation
• Roof inspection and constructive assessment in advance

You will receive quotes from recognized green roof specialists in your region, including warranty and maintenance advice.

Most green roofs consist of a layered system that provides drainage, root protection, nutrition and stable vegetation. The composition differs per type of green roof.

Total material costs extensive green roof: € 40 – € 80 per m²
Total material costs intensive green roof: € 80 – € 150+ per m²
(depending on substrate thickness, planting, walkways, extra facilities)

Explanation per component

1. Root barrier layer

• Needed if your roofing is not root resistant (e.g. bitumen without additives)
• Alternative: EPDM or PVC with root barrier certificate

2. Protective fleece

• Is placed under the system to protect the roofing
• Mostly polyester or PE fleece

3. Drainage layer

• Drains excess water and stores limited water for dry periods
• Made of plastic plates or mineral granules

4. Filter fleece

• Lies on top of the drainage layer
• Ensures that fine substrate particles do not end up in the drainage layers

5. Substrate layer

• Depending on vegetation, 4 to 15 cm thick
• Consists of lightweight mixtures of lava, pumice, compost and clay granules

6. Vegetation layer

• Sedum mats (pre-grown): fast-growing, low-maintenance
• Herb/flower mixtures: biodiverse, requires a little more care
• Plug plants or cuttings: cheaper, requires a longer growing period

7. Edge finishing (profiles)

• Aluminum or plastic edge profiles of 8–12 cm high
• Required for roof edges, superstructures or partitions with gravel

Possible extra facilities

Summary of material costs

The above prices apply to standard applications. Constructive adjustments, crane costs or combination with roof insulation are calculated separately.

Free quotes via jeofferte.nl

Do you want an accurate cost estimate including material specification, warranty and installation advice? Via jeofferte.nl you will receive several free quotes for:

• Extensive or intensive green roofs
• Complete installation or delivery of material package
• Advice on combination with insulation, solar panels or subsidies

1. Load-bearing capacity of the roof structure

A green roof – even a light sedum roof – adds extra weight to your roof. When installing, it is essential to first determine:

• What the maximum permissible weight of your roof is (in kg/m²)
• Whether reinforcement of the roof boarding is necessary (usually with intensive systems)
• Whether the roof structure is suitable for water retention (temporary water load)

Have this assessed by a structural engineer or roof consultant before requesting a quote.

2. Roof slope and drainage

Green roofs are best applied to flat or slightly sloping roofs (max. 15°). For larger slopes:

• The structure must be anchored against displacement
• Irrigation becomes more important (due to faster drying)
• Drainage complexity may increase

Ensure that drainage is not obstructed and check the water drain pipes for capacity.

3. Condition of the existing roof covering

A green roof is installed on the existing roof covering. It must:

• Completely waterproof be
• Root resistant be (or be provided with a root-resistant layer)
• Not porous or damaged be (otherwise repair or renew first)

Bitumen roofs older than 15 years are often first provided with a new top layer or EPDM.

4. Accessibility and reachability

Workspace is required for the construction of a green roof and logistics are important:

• Is there access via a garden, alley or stairs?
• Is there room for cranes or elevators for heavy systems?
• Can materials be easily supplied horizontally or vertically?

Poorly accessible roofs can significantly increase construction costs.

5. Choice of extensive or intensive system

The choice depends on your intended use, budget and willingness to maintain.

6. Subsidy and financing options

Many municipalities provide a subsidy of € 20 – € 50 per m² for green roofs. The following often also apply:

• Reduced sewage charges for water buffering
• Green loans via the National Heat Fund
• Deductible costs for business applications (e.g. homeowners' association or commercial property)

Consult jeofferte.nl for current regulations in your municipality.

7. Long-term maintenance and inspection

A green roof is relatively low-maintenance, but not maintenance-free:

• Inspection of vegetation, drains and edges 1 to 2 times per year
• Removal of unwanted plant growth or moss
• Replenishment of substrate and nutrients (for biodiversity roofs)

Many providers offer maintenance contracts from approx. € 75 – € 200 per year.

8. Fire safety and edge connections

Additional requirements apply to higher buildings or terraced houses:

• Fire-retardant gravel strips on roof edges
• Compliance with NEN 6063 (fire spread via the roof)
• Separate zones for combinations with solar panels or installations

Ask your installer about the application of fire-resistant edge detailing.

9. Combination with other roof solutions

A green roof can be easily combined with:

• Solar panels (higher efficiency due to cooling)
• Roof insulation (upper or lower structure)
• Rainwater harvesting (rain barrels or underground storage)

Integrate these parts into the design in advance for optimal results.

10. Value Increase and Aesthetics

A green roof contributes to:

• Value development of the house
• Aesthetics when viewed from higher windows or apartments
• Greening of the neighborhood or homeowners association, which is attractive when selling

In an urban context, green roofs are also a strategic advantage in permit applications or sustainability plans.

In summary

When installing a green roof, you must carefully pay attention to:

• Load-bearing capacity and waterproofing
• Angle of inclination and accessibility
• Type of use (sedum or roof garden)
• Possible subsidies and maintenance obligations

Advice and offers via jeofferte.nl

Via jeofferte.nl you can request obligation-free quotes from recognized green roof specialists. You will receive customized advice on:

• Technical feasibility
• Subsidy options
• Comparison of construction methods
• Maintenance and combinations with other sustainable measures

Prices apply to roofs in good condition. Reinforcement, re-roofing or adjustment of the roof construction are optional and not included.

Cost examples per project size

Extra possible costs

Subsidy and savings potential

Many municipalities will provide a green roof subsidy of € 20 – € 50 per m² in 2025. In addition, you save in the long term on:

• Roof replacement (green roofs extend the life of the roofing)
• Water drainage (delayed rainwater drainage)
• Energy costs (green roofs insulate against heat and cold)

Savings: up to € 5 – € 10 per m² per year on roof maintenance, water tax or energy costs.

In summary

Request quotes via jeofferte.nl

Via jeofferte.nl you will receive non-binding customized quotes for:

• Extensive or intensive green roofs
• Advice on load-bearing capacity, roofing and water buffering
• Subsidy opportunities in your municipality
• Professional installation including warranty and maintenance option