Buildings as rainwater solution
Unused roofs and facades function as active buffers that absorb, retain and reuse rainwater.
Water management for a climate-resilient city
Heavy rain and overloaded sewers cause flooding and damage. At the same time, cities waste valuable water that could be reused. Smart water management solves both: rain is captured, stored, and reused where possible. This prevents flooding, reduces pressure on infrastructure, and saves drinking water – turning a challenge into a sustainable resource.
Custom-fit for every project
Sempergreen offers a solution for every project, capturing rain at the source and releasing it gradually to protect drainage.
Unique design for all roofs
Our system is perfect for green roofs with a planned slope up to 5 degrees, unique for green roofs, for both new builds and renovations.
Our solution
Water is a challenge. At Sempergreen we have the solution.
Urban infrastructure can’t handle today’s extreme rainfall. By buffering water where it falls first, on the roof! Sempergreen helps cities adapt. Our blue green roof systems are integrated to store and slowly release water, reducing flood risk and making better use of our rainwater. All in one solution.
“Collecting water is one of the functions of a roof. But as you can see, it's flourishing: biodiversity and climate adaptation.”
Rainwater used to run into the factory in this paved environment. Now, 588 m² of retention roof keeps it out.
Fight floods the green way!
Climate change brings heavier rainfall and growing flood risks. Our green solutions capture and store water, easing pressure on sewers. With smart water management, every building becomes part of the solution. How will your project fight floods the green way?
- Water Management
- Bluegreen Roofs
Sky View Parc Features 55,000 sq ft Innovative Green Roof Design
- Water Management
- Bluegreen Roofs
First Dutch Detention Roof at Vrumona against urban flooding
- Water Management
- Green Roofs
Germany’s First Detention Roof Installed
- Water Management
- Green Roofs
KBF Warehouse innovative and nominated roof stores 37,200 litres rainwater
The power of a blue-green roof
Make the most of your roof. A conventional roof drains almost all rainwater straight into the sewer. A Sempergreen blue-green roof works differently: it captures, buffers and controls water release to prevent flooding. Depending on the storage needs of your project, you can choose between a detention roof or a retention roof. With a blue-green roof, you directly contribute to climate adaptation, a more beautiful living environment and creates healthier environments for every living creature.
GET ADVICE FOR SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT
Feeling a bit flooded with questions? Don’t worry! We’ll help you find the right solution for your project. With just a few quick questions we’ll help you find the right approach and system for your project. You’ll receive customised advice to make water work for you.
Our green facades don’t just add beauty
Sempergreen living walls store rainwater in the plants and substrate, releasing it gradually through evaporation. This slows runoff, filters water naturally, and returns it gently to nature. Our systems are designed to reuse both rainwater and purified greywater for irrigation – reducing drinking water use, lowering costs, and extending equipment lifespan thanks to limescale-free water. The plants benefit from a natural pH, while cities benefit from healthier, more resilient environments. A living wall that works as hard as it looks.
The value of green ground cover
Green ground cover transforms paved or unused areas into living, climate-resilient spaces. It absorbs rainwater, delays runoff, and filters it naturally, helping to stabilize groundwater levels and prevent flooding. Our projects, such as green tram tracks, capture large volumes of rainwater that are slowly released and absorbed by the plants. This cooling, vibrant layer also improves air quality, boosts biodiversity, and creates a healthier, more pleasant urban environment. By replacing grey surfaces with green, cities become more resilient, attractive, and better prepared for extreme weather.
Smart systems for water buffering
Sempergreen provides proven systems that combine water storage, vegetation and design flexibility. Whether you are working on a rooftop, facade or infrastructure project, our solutions are ready to install and help your project meet climate goals.
We want to share our knowledge
Discover our latest blogs on water management, filled with insights, tips, and inspiration for greener, climate-resilient cities.
- Smart Renovation
- Innovation
10 Superior Green Roof Storm Water Control Designs soon to be tested
See how this works for your project!
Joris Balvers
Everything about water management
We answer the most common questions about system capacity, design options and climate policy compliance. Need something more specific? Just contact us directly.
How much water can a green roof retain?
A standard green roof system like Purple-Roof can hold back most of the rainfall during warm periods, reducing immediate drainage needs and easing stress on sewer systems. The Water Retention Boxes provide quantifiable storage capacity, enabling architects and builders to precisely design retention systems tailored to local rainfall demands or regulatory mandates.
Can green roofs prevent flooding?
Green roofs contribute to flood prevention and mitigation by absorbing and buffering stormwater. Depending on the amount of water storage needed within your project and the roof construction, you can choose between a regular green roof, a Detention Roof, or a Retention Roof.
What is a Blue-Green roof?
A blue-green roof combines rainwater retention and storage (blue) with vegetation (green). It temporarily stores rainwater and uses it for irrigation of the plants or releases it gradually into the drainage system. The blue layer is a water retention system that buffers rainfall. This stored water can later evaporate or be used to irrigate the green layer. The green layer, typically consisting of Sedum, herbs, or grasses, provides cooling, improves air quality, and enhances biodiversity. By combining water management with vegetation, a blue-green roof is a multifunctional solution for stormwater management, climate adaptation, and urban liveability.
How much runoff does a green roof have compared to a conventional roof?
A conventional roof drains almost all rainwater immediately, with a runoff coefficient of around 0.9 to 1.0 in urban environments. This means nearly all rainfall flows directly into the sewer. In contrast, an extensive green roof has an average runoff coefficient of 0.5 to 0.7. This indicates that 50 to 70 percent of the rainfall is drained, while the rest is temporarily retained in the vegetation, substrate, and drainage layers. By buffering and delaying runoff, a green roof helps reduce peak loads on sewer systems and lowers the risk of flooding during heavy rain events.
Does a green roof buffer water?
Yes, every green roof absorbs and buffers water. The best green roof for your project depends on the amount of water storage required and the roof construction. Sempergreen offers two green-blue roofs for storing or buffering large amounts of rainwater during peak rainfall: the Detention Roof and the Retention Roof.
Does a SemperGreenwall use more or less water than most other systems?
A SemperGreenwall uses significantly less water than other systems. Fleece based systems that flush the wall with a continuous water application apply two times as much water as needed, since most of the water falls out at the bottom and flows to the drain. Boxed, or encased green walls have many gaps through which the water can escape, and soil-based systems tend to form channels through which the water can escape. A SemperGreenwall uses less water than the other systems because of the efficiency of the Plant Care System. The Plant Care System minimizes outflow through programs that are specially adjusted to every season.