The City of Antwerp is intensifying its efforts to use flat roofs more intelligently, signing the Klimaatdakprotocol (Climate Roof Protocol), an initiative by sector federations Embuild Vlaanderen and Buildwise. The agreement aims to deploy flat roofs as a tool for creating a more liveable and climate-resilient city. Antwerp is backing the call to properly insulate roofs and combine them with green features, water retention systems, solar energy and functional uses.
Flat roofs contribute to additional heat in urban areas, despite offering significant potential to help address climate challenges.
Under the Klimaatdakprotocol, cities and construction partners commit to using flat roofs to reduce CO₂ emissions and support climate adaptation. Well-insulated roofs lower emissions, while green roofs help cool the city and boost local biodiversity. Climate roofs also provide practical benefits for residents: they can buffer heavy rainfall and reduce flooding risks. Solar panels generate renewable energy, and roof gardens offer quiet outdoor spaces.
Alderman for the environment Karim Bachar (Vooruit) said: “Our Antwerp roofs offer enormous opportunities. By insulating them, greening them and equipping them with water storage or solar panels, we make our neighbourhoods cooler, greener and healthier. Opening up roof gardens where possible for relaxation and social interaction completes the picture. Every roof we improve, together with residents, organisations and partners, brings us closer to a liveable and future-proof city.”
The Klimaatdakprotocol aligns with the objectives of Antwerp’s Climate Plan 2030. By signing it, the city confirms its commitment to lead by example. In future construction and renovation projects involving municipal buildings, Antwerp will implement climate roofs wherever possible, combining as many elements as feasible: greenery, water retention, solar panels and functional use.
The city also aims to support private property owners in making better use of their roofs. Green roofs are often the first step. Since 2011, Antwerp has required green roofs for new builds and certain renovations. This applies to all roofs of at least 20 square metres with a slope of less than 15 degrees.
Homeowners not subject to this requirement can still access support and expertise through Antwerp’s climate grants.
One grant covers structural assessments, helping owners determine whether their roof is suitable for a green installation and avoid future issues. The city contributes €250 for family homes and €500 for larger apartment buildings with roofs exceeding 150 square metres.
Another grant supports the installation of biodiverse green roofs. Roofs that meet modern insulation standards and are planted to enhance biodiversity are eligible for a subsidy of €30 per square metre, enabling the use of native plants and improved water retention.
Total climate grant support can reach up to €10,000 for private individuals and €50,000 for associations such as homeowners’ associations.
Residents interested in upgrading their roofs can find information and guidance via the Antwerp Renovates platform, which offers advice on insulation, renovations, green roofs and rainwater management, as well as access to personalised support through the city’s housing and energy advisory service.
On the look of Antwerp
- ANTWERP | Concept design for Koningin Astridplein / Queen Astrid Square approved.
- ANTWERP | New railway ‘Spoorpark’ park between Borgerhout and Zurenborg to be named Statiepark.
- ANTWERP | Sint-Jacobskerk (St James’ Church) fully reopens after seven years of restoration.
- Antwerp shopping streets revitalised: more variety and less vacancy.
- PHOTOS | Presenting Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station anno 2026.
- ANTWERP | Construction begins on new Steenplein pontoon to meet rising water transport demand.
- Antwerp refines Tree Plan: continued focus on Future Trees and green volume.
- ANTWERP | Final design approved for Ringpark Groene Vesten: four sub-parks in Berchem to be built from late 2027.
- ANTWERP | Redevelopment of the Wapper begins, to be finished in spring 2028.
- ANTWERP | Renovation of Sint-Andries site begins: a new cultural and community hub for the neighbourhood.
- ANTWERP | Alderman Ken Casier calls for more greenery on Operaplein: “though it will not be an easy task”.
- ANTWERP | Redevelopment of the Stuivenberg site takes further shape.
- ANTWERP | Circulation plan for Meirbrug with car-free Kammenstraat and Groenplaats approved.
- ANTWERP | Premetro tunnel between Left and Right Banks to close for nearly a year for major renovation works.
ANTWERP | Concept for Meir redevelopment plan approved. - Antwerp approves Pedestrian Programme 2025 to transform the city into a leading walking environment by 2030.
- Antwerp-Linkeroever Railway Station to be renovated during the 2026 spring half-term and to open in May.
- Antwerp-Berchem Railway Station up for major revamp.
- ANTWERP | Improving traffic safety on Belgiëlei and Klein-Antwerpen.
- ANTWERP | Top Boerentoren to be restored to 1930 look unless new plans are approved.
- Flanders selects Bovenbouw Architectuur and Christ & Gantenbein as architects for M HKA museum of contemporary art.
- ANTWERP | Redevelopment of the Paardenmarkt one step closer.
- ANTWERP | New owners to explore future for Shopping Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir.
- ANTWERP | ‘Blinds’ Martin Margiela at Schuttershofstraat.
- ANTWERP | Flemish Culinary Centre Smaakhaven at Loodwezen to open in 2029.
- Antwerp unveils texts and names for monument in honour of WWII victims.
- City of Antwerp commissions ‘Collectie Centrum’ to store heritage collection.
- 17th century Antwerp Citadel decorative vase gets prominent place at KMSKA.
- Antwerp erects cenotaph for deceased Congolese from 1894 World Exposition.
- ANTWERP | Final design Linkeroever Scheldt Banks South approved.
- ANTWERP | Preliminary design of Ringpark ‘Cluster Centraal’ approved.
- Which flags get to fly at Antwerp City Hall?.
- ANTWERP | Market exploration questions the future of the Stadsschouwburg Theatre Building.
- Antwerp-South Railway Station and surroundings get makeover.
- ANTWERP | Northern Pavillion at Scheldt’s Northern Terrace gets revamp.
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | St. James’ Church (Sint-Jacobskerk).
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | St. Paul’s Church (Sint-Pauluskerk).
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | Scheldekaaien or Scheldt Quays.
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | Zurenborg.
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | Cogels-Osylei between Berchem and Antwerp’s Zurenborg neighbourhood.
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | De Gerlachekaai at the Scheldt.
- AREAS OF ANTWERP | Sint-Andriesplein.
- Rainbow zebra crossing in Borgerhout.
- Rainbow zebra crossings of Antwerp.
- Rainbow zebra crossing in Berchem.
- Antwerp designs future of Scheldt Left Bank riverside.
- ANTWERP | Major revamp of the Meirbrug – Suikerrui – Scheldt Quays axis to complete the Via Sinjoor.
- ANTWERP | Looking for Linkeroever Railway Station.
- PHOTOS | Het Steen, Antwerp’s new Visitor Centre.
- VIDEO | Walking the future Spoorpark between Zurenborg (Antwerp) and Borgerhout.
- 5 spots in Antwerp to soak up the sun for free.
