The beating heart of the solarpunk revolution: an urban oasis where sustainable technology meets ancestral wisdom to create the future we all deserve.
The Green Roof is not just a physical space; it is a tangible manifestation of solarpunk principles in action. Located in the heart of Neo-Cuernavaca, this 2,500 square meter community rooftop functions as a social laboratory, innovation center and community garden.
Here, city dwellers experience firsthand how appropriate technology can improve their lives without sacrificing their connection to nature. It is the place where Sister Panelia performs her most impactful demonstrations and where Brother Compostino teaches the eternal cycles of regeneration.
A 50kW installation of state-of-the-art solar panels that not only supplies the rooftop's energy needs, but also powers the community apartment building below.
An integrated urban agriculture system that combines traditional permaculture with modern hydroponics, producing fresh food for more than 50 families in the community.
An outdoor amphitheater built with recycled materials where workshops, presentations and the famous "Sunset Assemblies" are held where the community makes consensus decisions.
Brother Compostino's domain: a layered composting system that processes organic waste from throughout the neighborhood, transforming it into the "black gold" that feeds the gardens.
The first rays of sun automatically activate the drip irrigation system. Early risers arrive for the "Dawn Ritual": yoga, meditation and plant check before starting the day.
Participating families pick fresh vegetables for breakfast. Brother Compostino is usually here, teaching about natural cycles while stirring the compost.
On Wednesdays and Saturdays a community lunch is organized where everyone contributes something prepared with ingredients from the rooftop. This is when the most stories and knowledge are shared.
Sister Panelia's favorite time. Here she demonstrates new technologies, explains how solar panels work and teaches others how they can implement similar solutions in their homes.
On Fridays, the community meets to make important decisions, plan future projects and resolve conflicts collaboratively. It is direct democracy in action.
With light pollution reduced through intelligent energy use, nights on the rooftop allow stargazing while sharing stories and dreams for the future.
Building families have seen an average 65% reduction in their electric bills since the solar system installation.
The combination of solar energy and composting avoids the emission of 2.5 tons of CO₂ each month.
The composting system processes 80% of the neighborhood's organic waste, transforming it into natural fertilizer.
Urban gardens produce 300kg of fresh vegetables and herbs monthly for the community.
"At first we were skeptical about this solar panel thing," says María Hernández. "But when we saw our electricity bill drop from $2,500 to $800 pesos, and we also have fresh vegetables every week... there's no going back."
Former climate change skeptic, Don Carlos now leads composting workshops on Saturdays. "Compostino taught me that 'garbage' is just a word for things we don't know how to use. Now I see opportunities where I used to see problems."
"I like coming here because the plants tell me secrets," explains Sofía while watering her cherry tomatoes. "And when I grow up, I'm going to make a rooftop like this all over the city."
The Green Roof of Neo-Cuernavaca is not a destination, but a starting point. It is living proof that another world is possible: one where technology serves life, where community thrives without destroying the planet, and where every person can be the protagonist of the change they want to see.
Replicate the model throughout the city by 2027
100% renewable self-sufficient neighborhood by 2026
Guides and resources available for any community