Green roofs on climate-friendly bus shelters in Münster

Since January 2024, almost all bus shelters in Münster are being replaced. The city of Münster has assigned the operation of the bus stops and urban advertising spaces to RBL Media GmbH for the next 15 years. The bus shelters will be produced by Epsilon Cities. This large-scale project includes the installation of 675 bus shelters equipped with green roofs. This will make the bus shelters not only more modern, but also more climate-friendly.

Sustainable and green infrastructure

The city of Münster deliberately opted for a sustainable concept in this tender. Many of the current bus stops were outdated and had technical problems. All bus stops will now have green roofs and more than 120 will be completely self-sufficient by generating their own green electricity with solar panels.

Kirsten Veltmeijer, Epsilon Cities – ‘The choice of green roofs on the bus shelters was included in the tender requirements. This choice was based on both aesthetic considerations and encouraging biodiversity. The project was inspired by previous successful implementations such as in Leipzig. It highlights the ecological benefits of green infrastructure in urban environments.’

Official Opening of sustainable bus shelters on Domplatz

Besides sustainable management, the new bus shelters are also sustainably produced. All resources used are ecologically responsible, resource-saving and emission-free. The replacement per site takes only a few hours. While the old bus shelter is demolished, the new one is already ready on a truck and is placed immediately, minimising inconvenience to bus passengers. The official opening of the new bus shelters on Münster’s Domplatz took place in mid-April. Mayor Markus Lewe took the opportunity to get an impression of the new bus shelters on Domplatz. “I am happy that the exchange is going so smoothly and that we are getting modern and, above all, sustainable bus shelters in Münster.”

Kirsten Veltmeijer, Epsilon Cities – ‘The response from stakeholders and residents to the new bus shelters and their green roofs has been enthusiastic and positive. The green roofs contribute to biodiversity by providing a habitat for insects and butterflies in the city, improve air quality by trapping particulate matter and help collect rainwater. Besides, the green roofs also provide a green feel and create awareness among the city’s residents.’

3,500 square metres of green roof on bus stops in Münster

Mobilane has been delivering a full truck of 960 MobiRoof ECO cassettes every few weeks since the end of last year, accounting for 240 square metres of green roof per truck. A total of 14,000 cassettes are used for the 675 bus shelters in Münster. Putting a green roof on the unused roofs of the bus shelters gives Münster an additional 3,500 square metres of green roof. In total, the cassettes store 70,000 litres of water during heavy rain, which also reduces peak loads on the city’s sewage system.

Kirsten Veltmeijer, Epsilon Cities – ‘We have been working with Mobilane since 2017 and regularly use the MobiRoof ECO cassette. We choose this cassette because it is the best choice for what we are looking for: a manageable, customisable cassette for the roofs of our bus shelters. Our first project together were green roofs on bus shelters in the city of Helsingborg (Sweden). Since then, we have continued to work together ever since, to our great satisfaction.’

Future-proof urban environment

The project in Münster is an excellent example of how green infrastructure can contribute to a sustainable and future-proof urban environment. Integrating green roofs on bus shelters combines ecological and aesthetic benefits, resulting in a positive impact on both the city and its residents.