The GREEN ROOF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE is an integral part of the University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg. The students of Landscape Architecture learn about the technical and ecological requirements of green roofs during their studies. Colleagues from a number of disciplines within the University collaborate with the research activities. Changes in ecosystems are a slow process. The GREEN ROOF CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE in Neubrandenburg is continuing long term research studies started in the 1980?s to quantify the above benefits by monitoring vegetation in and on buildings.Located in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region, two University of Applied Sciences Neubrandenburg test greenroofs were completed in 1998 and 2000. Each roof measures approximately 1,000 m2 each, and the test/research aspects of the site include: Biodiversity, climate, energy savings, and rain water retention.

Growing media and plant species have been tested there, and the main focus of testing is based on the modification of climate parameters on the green roofs. The various monitoring parameters include: temperatures within the growing media and on the surface using infra red; radiation balances; air speed; precipitation and runoff. The most important instrument here is the lysimeter, which measures the water content that percolates through the depth of the growth media.The monitoring for the University of Applied Sciences in Neubrandenburg is comparable in equipment to the older Ufa-factory in Berlin ? Templehof green roof research.