Background An increase in energy demand has contributed to the increase in the ‘heat island effect’, air pollution and flooding, resulting in unnecessary pressure on urban dwellers. It is for this reason that the EU’s Europe 2020 Strategy aims to reduce energy requirements by at least 20% by 2020. The Commission’s Energy Efficiency Plan 2011 identified buildings as having the greatest potential for energy savings. The plan focuses on mechanisms to reduce the energy requirements of existing buildings, in particular the role of public buildings in demonstration and dissemination projects. Green roofs also have a role to play in rendering buildings more energy efficient. In Malta, however, the use and uptake of green roofs has been very low because of misconceptions around issues such as leaks. Information on the technology is sorely lacking. Although various green roof standards provide guidelines, the exact composition will be determined by the types of plants to be grown, the climatic conditions, weight loads and drainage requirements. Achieving a correct mix that addresses the requirements of climatic conditions is crucial to the success of a green roof. The Mediterranean climate is quite particular and plants native to the region could prove appropriate for use in green roofs. Most often the sedum species used are not native to the Mediterranean and as such sustain limited biodiversity. As a result native species for green roofs are a preferred option. Objectives The LifeMedGreenRoof project will construct two demonstration green roofs as case-studies: one on the University of Malta's Faculty for the Built Environment campus building and one on a building located on the campus of Fondazione Minoprio (a project partner) in Italy. The roofs will demonstrate the benefits of green roofs for meeting environmental and biodiversity targets. The project will also show that green roof technology is safe and cost efficient, reducing energy consumption thanks to the insulation properties of the system. Green roofs reduce the risk of flooding through the ability of the growing medium to absorb water. Specific project objectives include: Creating a growing medium, preferably locally sourced and ideally from industrial waste; Studying the adequacy of native and locally grown plants in a green roof environment; Recording and demonstrating the cooling and insulation effects of green roofs in a semi-arid climate; Recording and demonstrating the storm water management qualities of green roofs and the possible effects on local flooding; Developing/improving national guidelines for the construction of green roofs; Drafting a national planning strategy for green roofs; and Identifying possible barriers and providing technically and economically-viable solutions for large-scale introduction. Expected results: The project expects to achieve the following results: Identification of local materials adequate as growing media; Identification of suitable native plants; Creation of two demonstration green roofs; Publication of data on insulation properties; Publication of data on storm-water management; Drafting and revision of national guidelines for Italy; and Drafting of proposed policies for the Maltese planning system.