AMPO's Lightweight Green Roof Manages 60% Rainwater

A roof that works hard

The Urbanscape Premium High Green Roof system is engineered for performance. With the capacity to retain up to 45 liters of water per square meter, the roof is able to capture around 60% of yearly rainfall in Idiazabal’s climate. This significantly reduces pressure on local sewage systems and helps mitigate flood risks.

Cooling the roof, cooling the hall

Just as important as water retention is the impact on temperature. Independent studies on the AMPO roof show that surface heat is reduced by more than 20°C during peak summer. That cooling effect doesn’t just benefit the wider environment, it also lowers heat transfer into the production hall itself, creating a more stable and comfortable indoor climate for employees and reducing the need for artificial cooling.

Engineered with Urbanscape Green Roll

At the heart of the Lightweight Green Roof system lies the Urbanscape Green Roll, a unique substrate layer made of long rock mineral wool fibers. This compact, dimensionally stable felt is designed without binders and delivers exceptional water absorption while staying remarkably light. It acts as a capillary sponge: during rain showers it soaks up large volumes of water, then slowly releases it to the Sedum vegetation above.

The result is a healthy growing medium with high thermal and acoustic performance, strong fire resistance, and long-term sustainability. For AMPO, it was the perfect fit: a substrate layer that combines technical reliability with ecological value.

Aligned with Climate Goals

For AMPO, the green roof is one component of a much larger sustainability puzzle. The company possesses an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system, a comprehensive decarbonization plan, and is a member of the European Hydrogen Alliance and the Basque Hydrogen Corridor. Their commitment extends throughout the value chain: from assisting clients in reducing emissions through innovative casting solutions to electrifying their own processes and sourcing renewable energy. By incorporating a green roof, AMPO ensures its production facilities not only meet today’s standards but also anticipate those of tomorrow.

The Sempergreen Sedum blankets extend roof life by up to three times

Business Case for Industry

Green roofs on industrial facilities make sense beyond the environmental benefits. By protecting the roof membrane from the sun, rain, and wind, the Sempergreen Sedum blankets extend roof life by up to three times. They also reduce the need for cooling in summer, which directly translates into energy savings for air conditioning. In Idiazabal, this makes the plant more resilient and more cost-efficient in the long run, proving that sustainability and profitability are not opposites, but partners.