Mitigating Urban Heat Islands Using Green Roof Technology

Abstract

Urban Heat Islands (UHIs) are a growing concern in metropolitan areas due to the concentration of infrastructure, reduced vegetation, and increased human activities. The UHI effect results in higher temperatures in urban areas compared to rural surroundings, contributing to adverse environmental and health impacts. One of the promising mitigation strategies is the implementation of green roof technology. This paper investigates the potential of green roofs in reducing UHI effects by analyzing their thermal performance, vegetation characteristics, and energy savings. An experimental study was conducted on two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive, across three cities with varied climatic conditions. Results showed that green roofs could reduce the surface temperature by up to 5°C, resulting in significant reductions in building cooling demands. The study concludes that green roofs, particularly extensive systems, offer a viable solution for UHI mitigation while providing additional ecological and economic benefits.