The new Green Market Report Austria shows how the market for roof, fa̤ade and interior greening has developed in recent years despite Covid and the Ukraine crisis Рwith exciting figures, trends and insights into the future of climate-resilient cities.
Text Dipl.-Ing. Susanne Formanek, GRÃœNSTATTGRAU Forschungs- und Innovations GmbH
—
Green Market Report Austria – Overview of the market development of green buildings
Data-based decisions are essential in technical building planning and urban development – especially when it comes to climate-resilient infrastructure. As a central industry barometer, the Green Market Report Austria provides current figures and developments relating to the greening of buildings in Austria. This 2nd edition (2019-2022) was once again compiled by GRÃœNSTATTGRAU in cooperation with the Association for Building Greening and IMG Innovation Management Group GmbH.
Since the first publication in 2020, the global environment has changed massively. The effects of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the worsening climate crisis are also clearly reflected in the construction industry and especially in the green building technologies segment.
Market development in a challenging environment
Despite adverse conditions, the Austrian market for green roofs has proven to be remarkably robust and fast-growing in recent years. In 2022, a total turnover of 177.7 million euros was achieved – this corresponds to an average annual growth rate of 16.7% compared to 2018.
The growth in the area of green roofs is particularly significant: Over 1.5 million m² were newly installed in 2022, 16% of which was on more elaborate, intensively greened roof areas. Solar green roofs – the combined use of photovoltaics and greenery – have established themselves as a marketable system with 90,000 m² installed.
The figures also show a positive development in the vertical area. In 2022, around 50,000 m² of new façade greening was realized after evaluating expert feedback and market feedback – and the trend is rising. In terms of technology and urban planning, this area offers enormous potential, particularly in connection with summer heat protection and rainwater management.
The market for green interior walls has developed much more slowly in comparison. An installed area of around 4,000 m² was recorded for 2022 – a niche market with a special application profile, mostly in prestigious or publicly accessible buildings.
Despite the momentum to date, the outlook is cautious: High construction costs, rising interest rates and an overall weak construction industry mean that many industry representatives expect sales to decline over the next two years. However, the medium to long-term outlook remains positive – primarily due to the political and social pressure towards climate adaptation and resource efficiency.
Climate change adaptation in cities as a driver
More than 60% of the cities surveyed as part of the report are already implementing a climate change adaptation strategy. Green roofs on municipal buildings, the planting of additional trees and rainwater retention measures are among the most frequently implemented steps.
Despite the current market slowdown, the industry remains highly innovative: new components, modular greening systems and digitally supported maintenance concepts aim to increase efficiency, reduce costs and optimize maintenance. The close cooperation between industry and research, which is traditionally strong in Austria, is particularly noteworthy.
The Green Market Report Austria provides sound market data as a basis for technical planning, economic forecasts and political decision-making. For building physicists, it offers valuable pointers for integrating green technologies into the building envelope – in an environment that is increasingly characterized by climate adaptation, resource efficiency and urban resilience, both ecologically and economically.
Read more: https://gruenstattgrau.at/greenmarketreport/
