The Hague City Hall is undergoing a major sustainable makeover. After more than 30 years, the roofing is due for replacement, and the municipality is seizing this opportunity to make the building greener and more sustainable. In total, 5,200 m² of green roof is being installed across the City Hall, the Central Library, and the Forum Building. Work has already commenced. Alderman Robert Barker (Environment) kicked off the installation of the green roof on the IJspaleis. The new green oasis on the roof of the City Hall will be ready in May 2026.
The new roofing not only addresses maintenance: the city hall is also getting green roofs with water storage, extra insulation, and solar panels. The greening helps to reduce heat stress in the city centre and contributes to the city’s climate goals. The green roof temporarily retains rainwater and drains it slowly, relieving the sewer system during heavy downpours. Alderman Barker: ‘ With this roof in this prominent location, we also want to inspire people. Many roofs in The Hague are waiting to be greened! ‘
Urban nature on the roof
A special piece of urban nature is coming to the roof between City Hall and the Forum Building. In addition to planting, a feeding bowl, water bowl, sand bowl, and an insect hotel will be installed here to stimulate biodiversity. Moreover, this roof is clearly visible from both buildings, allowing visitors and employees to observe the new green oasis. Alderman Robert Barker (Environment) is proud of this special step: ‘City Hall is an icon in our city. By making it green, we are not only making the building more sustainable but also better prepared for extreme heat and rain. With these interventions, we show that The Hague takes its role model seriously and that every square meter of greenery counts .
Text: Gemeente Den Haag
Translation to English: The Hague Online
Photographer Michel Mees (City Hall roof photos 1 and 2)