Barriers and Solutions to Green Facade Implementation—A Review of Literature and a Case Study of Leipzig, Germany

Abstract

The expansion of green infrastructure through vertical forms of greenery is an innovative way to address urban sustainability challenges. Despite various social, economic, and environmental benefits, however, facade greening is rarely implemented. This article examines barriers to and solutions for the implementation of green facades through a systematic literature review and a participatory case study of Leipzig, Germany. We found a total of 24 social, political-administrative, economic, practical-technical, and environmental barriers hindering key actors to (successfully) implement green facades. The lack of information and knowledge was found to be an underlying issue. Solutions co-created with local stakeholders and experts include the provision of informative, regulatory, and financial incentives, the adaptation of political-administrative strategies, regulations, and procedures, as well as the support of the practical-technical implementation process through information and experts. To overcome barriers, various measures must be combined, but establishing public relations and advisory services on green facades is of priority in Leipzig. By combining insights from academic literature with applied knowledge of a diverse group of local actors, we identify how barriers to facade greening may be overcome in the specific case of a major German city and provide a blueprint for similar research in other socio-political contexts.