Public versus private incentives to invest in green roofs: A cost benefit analysis for Flanders

By means of a cost benefit analysis, we compare public and private incentives to invest in extensive green roofs in urban areas. From the comparison of these public and private incentives we find that subsidies for green roofs are socially desirable and that subsidies are actually needed to convince potential private investors to construct green roofs. Specifically, we estimate the costs and benefits associated with an investment project in Dilbeek (Belgium) where a real estate investor considers the construction of an extensive green roof on an office building.