The article shows the need to take into account the principles of sustainable development in the field of the revitalization of space, and point out green roofs as a tool in this process. It is presented in the light of the green city concept, and the criteria of the European Green City Index. The article shows the ecological, social and economic benefits of green roofs (starting from the retrieval of green areas in the urbanized space, the reduction of heat island effects, up to the integration function of green roofs), which is illustrated by a few case studies of applying green roofs within revitalization projects. The article indicates also legal incentives, as well as programs directed to the development of green roofs around the world, pointing out a range of factors to consider also for Polish cities.

The paper addresses the issue of industrial towns planned and built with consideration for local natural features and sustainable use of natural resources. The subject of the study is the mining town of Bukowno. The authors have adopted a case study and comparative analysis as the research method. The starting point is a comprehensive analysis of the main principles behind the creation of Bukowno as a centre integrating industrial, sanatorium, sports and leisure functions, designed by Józef Gałęzowski in the 1930s. The study is based on field research, analyses of source and cartographic materials and academic publications. The contemporary image of the town and the problems and threats concerning the most critical natural features reveal that the original design of Bukowno as an summer recreational and forest estate remains unrealized. Mining and processing activities are not conducive to the protection and proper exploitation of outstanding natural features, the Sztoła River in particular. The diagnosis of the existing problems prompts the search for a crystallized vision of town development that refers to and develops the original design. The research has resulted in an attempt to outline new principles for shaping the urban structure based on the assets of the local environment. The new original spatial and functional design, clearly inspired by the 1930s design, may provide a good foundation for the future development of Bukowno and the region.