MultiRoofs

Across Northwest Europe, more and more people are living in urban areas, and as cities grow, they need to find space for affordable housing, clean energy, green spaces, and healthier neighborhoods. But with limited space on the ground, cities need new ways to meet people’s needs while protecting the environment. So—what if we looked up?​

Rooftops are everywhere—on apartment buildings, schools, offices, and supermarkets. Most of them are unused. But what if they could be transformed into solar energy hubs, urban gardens, rainwater systems, or even new living spaces? ​
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MultiRoofs helps cities see the potential of their rooftops and turn them into practical, sustainable spaces that benefit both people and the environment. ​
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The project is developing a smart digital tool that creates 3D maps of rooftops. It checks each roof’s size, shape, and sunlight to show what it could be used for. This makes it easier for cities and communities to plan rooftop projects with real impact. Pilot projects are already happening in Belgium, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany—testing new ideas on real buildings. And through training and shared tools, dozens of local governments are learning how to bring similar rooftop solutions to their own cities. ​

The rooftops in your neighborhood could soon help power your home, cool your street, or grow food. They are already part of the city—now they can become part of the solution. By rethinking how we use urban rooftops, MultiRoofs supports cities in becoming more resilient, climate-friendly, and livable—all without building on more land. ​