Reading Passage
Paragraph A
In 2003, the Urban Sustainability Office (USO), headquartered at 33 Environmental Way, Berlin, Germany, began promoting green roofs as a strategy to reduce heat and manage stormwater in densely populated districts. At that time, sealed surfaces covered approximately 68% of the citys central areas. Early studies between 2004 and 2006 measured surface temperature differences and water retention capacity. Pilot buildings recorded rooftop temperature reductions of up to 19C during summer months, indicating that vegetated roofs could significantly mitigate urban heat island effects.
Paragraph B
Large-scale implementation began in 2007, when the city introduced financial incentives for residential and commercial buildings. Property owners received subsidies covering up to 45% of installation costs, capped at 60 per square metre. By 2012, more than 1.9 million square metres of green roofs had been installed across Berlin. Monitoring data showed that these roofs retained an average of 54% of annual rainfall, reducing pressure on drainage systems during heavy storms.
Paragraph C
Despite positive outcomes, adoption faced obstacles. A 2010 survey of 520 building managers found that 39% were concerned about maintenance requirements and long-term costs. Structural limitations in older buildings also restricted installation options. Furthermore, limited technical knowledge among contractors led to inconsistent quality in early projects. To address these issues, the USO introduced certification standards in 2011 and funded training programmes at construction centres in Potsdam and Leipzig.
Paragraph D
Policy support strengthened after 2014, when Berlins Senate approved a 320 million climate adaptation budget. By 2018, green roofs were mandatory for new public buildings, and overall rooftop coverage reached 3.4 million square metres. Environmental assessments indicated that particulate air pollution near green-roofed buildings declined by 7% between 2015 and 2019, reinforcing the role of urban vegetation in improving air quality.
Paragraph E
The benefits extended into social and economic domains. A 2020 study by Humboldt University found that buildings with green roofs experienced energy savings of 11% annually due to improved insulation. Additionally, nearby property values increased by an average of 5.2% between 2016 and 2021. Surveys also showed increased resident satisfaction, particularly in high-density housing areas lacking access to ground-level green spaces.
Paragraph F
Looking ahead, Berlin plans to integrate smart monitoring systems into green roof designs. The USO aims to deploy sensor networks by 2030 to track moisture levels and plant health. As of February 2024, approximately 47% of suitable rooftops in the city had been converted. Future projects scheduled for 2026 include large-scale installations on public schools and transport hubs, supporting Berlins long-term climate resilience goals.
Questions 1-4: Matching Headings
Instructions: Choose the correct heading for each paragraph from the list below. Write the correct Roman numeral.
List of Headings
i. Economic and energy-related advantages
ii. Early environmental research into rooftop vegetation
iii. Barriers to implementation and quality control
iv. Policy-driven expansion and environmental outcomes
v. Financial incentives and large-scale adoption
vi. Future use of smart monitoring technology
Question 1: Paragraph B
Question 2: Paragraph C
Question 3: Paragraph D
Question 4: Paragraph E
Questions 5-8: True/False/Not Given
Instructions: Write TRUE if the statement agrees with the information, FALSE if it contradicts, or NOT GIVEN if there is no information.
Question 5
Green roofs were initially promoted to reduce building energy costs.
Question 6
Subsidies covered less than half of green roof installation costs.
Question 7
Older buildings were always suitable for green roof installation.
Question 8
Air pollution levels decreased near buildings with green roofs.
Questions 9-12: Table Completion
Instructions: Complete the table below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
| Category | Measurement | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Panel installation | Number of rooftops | thousand |
| Energy output (2018) | Average per household | MWh |
| Grid dependency | Reduction achieved | percent |
| Carbon emissions | Decline in emissions | percent |
Questions 13-16: Sentence Completion
Instructions: Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 13
Pilot roofs reduced surface temperatures by up to degrees Celsius.
Question 14
Rainwater retention averaged percent annually.
Question 15
Certification standards were introduced in .
Question 16
Property values rose by an average of percent.
Questions 17-19: Summary Completion
Instructions: Complete the summary below. Write NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Renewable energy adoption in urban areas focused on solar panel installation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Initial challenges included high costs and regulatory barriers. Government incentives improved household participation, leading to lower electricity and reduced carbon footprints. Future initiatives emphasise community-level energy storage to improve grid .
Questions 9-13: Short Answer Questions
Instructions: Answer the questions below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
Question 9
Where is the Urban Sustainability Office headquartered?
Question 10
What was the maximum subsidy per square metre?
Question 11
Which university conducted the 2020 energy study?
Question 12
What percentage of suitable rooftops had been converted by 2024?
Question 13
In which year are large-scale public installations scheduled?