Who governs climate adaptation? Getting green roofs for stormwater retention off the ground

• Published in: Journal of environmental planning and management Vol. 56; no. 6; pp. 802 - 825
• Main Authors: Mees, Heleen L.P, Driessen, Peter P.J, Runhaar, Hens A.C, Stamatelos, Jennifer
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 01-07-2013; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Adaptation; Adaptation to change; Cities; Climate; climate adaptation; governance; governance arrangements; Government and politics; green roofs; Greenbelts; Grounds; Housing construction; issues and policy; Local government; Management; Markets; Precipitation; Private sector; Public policy; responsibilities; Roofing; Roofs; Stormwater; Stormwater management; Studies; Urban design; Water conservation; Water management
• ISSN: 1360-0559; 0964-0568; 1360-0559
• DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2012.706600

Green roofs are an innovative solution for urban stormwater management. This paper examines governance arrangements for green roofs as a ‘no-regrets’ climate adaptation measure in five cities. We analysed who governs green roofs, why and with what outcome. Our results show that hierarchical and market arrangements co-exist in the various stages of the policy process. Cities with a higher prevalence of hierarchical arrangements have substantially higher implementation rates for green roofs. Although private sector involvement is crucial for raising efficiencies, a significant level of public responsibility taken by local governments appears to be salient for unleashing the potential of green roofs.