A school that looks to the future

In Meerdonk, Belgium, Primary School GOM turned a roof replacement into a sustainability statement. The 800 m² Sempergreen Pitched Green Roof, installed by Zicht op Groen with CPE and Tectum Group, instantly transformed the school into a green, climate-adaptive example.

Cleaner air to breathe

Toelichting (max. 120 karakters)
Sedum plants filter CO₂ and fine particles, giving children fresher air every day.

Cooler classrooms

The green roof regulates temperature, reducing heat build-up and cutting energy use

Fits pitched roofs

The Sempergreen Pitched Green Roof system adapts perfectly to sloping roofs, safe and secure in all seasons.

Replacing the outdated asbestos roof was more than a technical necessity, it was an opportunity to invest in a healthier, more sustainable future. The 800 m² roof of Primary School GOM is now covered with a Sempergreen Pitched Green Roof, specially developed for sloping surfaces. From the very first day after installation, the roof was green, lush and full of life. Installed by Zicht op groen with CPE and Tectum group, the project shows how schools can lead by example in climate adaptation.

Green spaces for learning

Children are especially sensitive to their environment. Studies show that access to greenery improves concentration, reduces stress and boosts overall wellbeing. For a primary school, this is invaluable: a green roof doesn’t just make the building sustainable, it creates a calmer, healthier space for children to learn and play. Natural surroundings are proven to stimulate curiosity and creativity, giving pupils the mental space to focus and explore. In fact, researchers have found that children who spend more time in contact with nature show better memory retention and social skills. The roof, visible from many classrooms, subtly brings these benefits into the everyday school routine. For teachers and staff, this translates into a more positive working atmosphere too, where both learning and wellbeing can thrive side by side.

Climate comfort indoors

During summer, traditional roofs can turn classrooms into ovens. The Sedum roof absorbs and reflects sunlight, keeping temperatures down and reducing the need for air conditioning. The result is lower energy bills and more comfort for pupils and teachers alike.

Biodiversity and beyond

Beyond its role for the school, the green roof provides nectar and shelter for bees, butterflies and other insects. For the children, it’s a daily connection to nature – right above their heads. For the town of Meerdonk, it’s another step towards a healthier, greener community.

The Pitched Green Roof system is specially engineered for sloping roofs of up to 45 degrees

Strength on sloping roofs

The roof of Primary School GOM isn’t flat but gently pitched, a detail that might have made installing a green roof more complicated. For Sempergreen, however, it’s no obstacle. The Pitched Green Roof system is specially engineered for sloping roofs of up to 45 degrees. Pre-grown Sedum-mix blankets are anchored securely with a unique anti-slip construction, ensuring the vegetation stays firmly in place even during heavy rain or stormy winds. For a school environment, this reliability is crucial: it guarantees safety, durability and a roof that remains green throughout the year.

Direct results, minimal maintenance

Unlike seeding or planting from scratch, Sedum blankets deliver instant greenery from day one. For the children and teachers, that meant seeing their school transformed almost overnight into a healthier, more natural environment. The plants are chosen for their resilience, thriving in both sun and shade, and withstanding long dry spells or sudden downpours; perfectly suited to Belgium’s changing weather. Maintenance is minimal: just a few inspections and light care per year to keep the vegetation vibrant. In the long run, the system extends the roof’s lifespan by protecting it from UV radiation and extreme temperature swings.

Built to last

Durability isn’t only about the vegetation. The complete Sempergreen system is designed to safeguard the underlying roof structure, preventing erosion or water damage. Thanks to integrated drainage and substrate layers, rainwater is buffered and released slowly, reducing the burden on the local sewer system. For a public building like a primary school, that means not only lower operating costs, but also contributing to the wider community’s climate resilience.

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