On 28 July, the Portuguese National Association for Green Roofs (ANCV), in collaboration with Matosinhos City Council, delivered the training session “Nature-Based Solutions Integrated into Buildings: Policy Instruments, Incentives and Strategies for Green Infrastructure”, aimed at municipal technical staff.

Held at the Florbela Espanca Municipal Library Auditorium, the session sought to strengthen the technical and strategic knowledge needed to integrate nature-based solutions into buildings and municipal public policies.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Manuela Álvares, Councillor at Matosinhos City Council, followed by a presentation delivered by Professor Cristina Calheiros, Vice-President of ANCV.

Throughout the morning, participants explored the concepts and benefits associated with green roofs and living walls, with particular emphasis on their contribution to urban resilience, climate change adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, improved environmental performance of buildings and community well-being.

The session also presented a range of policy instruments, incentive mechanisms and municipal strategies that can support the implementation of green infrastructure in both public and private buildings.

The training further provided an opportunity to reflect on European guidance for the development and implementation of legislation relating to urban green infrastructure and nature-based solutions in buildings. This discussion drew on the European document developed by the European Federation of Green Roof and Living Wall Associations (EFB) and the World Green Infrastructure Network (WGIN).

The initiative was designed to support municipal technical staff in identifying opportunities and instruments that can facilitate the integration of these solutions into urban planning, municipal regulations, incentive programmes and local authority-led projects.

ANCV would like to thank Matosinhos City Council and all participants for their interest, engagement and valuable contributions towards a more sustainable, resilient and nature-positive built environment.