Key insights from the Urban Nature Exchange #7: Greening the built infrastructure and engaging the private sector: the Parisian case
The latest session of the Urban Nature Exchanges (UNEs) focused on the greening of urban infrastructure, with Paris as a key example. Paris has successfully integrated green roofs, walls and facades into its urban planning strategy to combat climate-related challenges such as heat waves and heavy rainfall.
In response to increasing climate-related challenges, including heatwaves and intense rainfall, Paris has embraced the greening of buildings as a key strategy for urban resilience. By installing vegetation on rooftops, walls and facades, Paris is addressing multiple urban challenges, from improving biodiversity to improving the quality of life for its residents.
Paris' approach to greening its built infrastructure:
Paris has exceeded its initial target of greening 150 hectares of buildings, achieving 151 hectares ahead of schedule. The city aims to achieve a further 40 hectares by 2030 as part of its biodiversity plan, demonstrating a clear commitment to integrating green infrastructure into its long-term urban planning.
Three main drivers have shaped Paris' strategy for greening its built infrastructure:
- Public sector leadership: More than 200 public facilities have been greened, with projects such as the Amandiers School serving as a reference for the private sector.
- Private Sector Engagement: Paris provides tools and resources for private stakeholders, including an online platform and technical guides, as well as a voluntary biodiversity score to incentivise green building design.
- Regulatory framework: The Bioclimatic Urban Master Plan (2024) and the Green Building Index (mandatory from 2025) ensure that new developments meet minimum sustainability standards.Focus on greening urban infrastructure, with Paris as a key example. Paris has successfully integrated green roofs, walls and facades into its urban planning strategy to combat climate-related challenges such as heat waves and heavy rainfall.
Key benefits of greening urban infrastructure
Greening the built environment in Paris has several benefits. Green roofs and walls support biodiversity by creating habitats for wildlife, while improving the quality of life for residents through improved landscapes and thermal comfort. On a citywide scale, greening helps manage stormwater and reduces the urban heat island effect. In addition, green roofs protect buildings by extending the life of waterproofing systems, providing long-term cost savings.
Challenges in engaging the private sector
Engaging the private sector in greening is challenging due to high upfront costs and competition for roof space from other uses such as urban agriculture and solar panels. Long-term maintenance of green roofs also requires resources and expertise that may be lacking in private buildings. To support these efforts, Paris is providing financial incentives and tools such as technical guides and the Biodiversity Score to encourage private investment in green infrastructure.
Key learnings
- Public leadership is critical: Municipal commitment provides a strong foundation for success.
- Private sector involvement requires incentives: Financial support and clear guidelines encourage private investment.
- Strong regulations drive change: Mandatory green building standards ensure sustainability in all developments.
- Collaboration increases impact: Partnerships with research institutions and NGOs provide valuable expertise and help scale efforts.
Moving forward
Paris demonstrates that large-scale change is possible through a combination of strong leadership, private sector collaboration and regulatory frameworks. The city's efforts show that greening the built environment is not just an environmental initiative, but a strategy for building resilience and sustainability. Other cities can draw key lessons from Paris to accelerate their own greening initiatives.
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