Viability of Green Roof Systems as a Catalyst for Sustainable Urban Development: Economic and Environmental Impacts
摘要
Green roofs are showing promise to solve social, economic, and environmental issues as modern development is increasingly focusing on urban sustainability. This paper assesses ten real project’s social, economic, and environmental effects of green roofs on urban growth and the ways in which green roofs improve the environment, save money, and increase energy efficiency through a life cycle cost analysis of the projects considered. It shows that green roofs are a cost-effective option for sustainable urban design because, despite their high initial cost, they result in a positive net present value ranging from $0.21/SF - $0.88/SF at the end of their life. Green roof integration also improves water management and reduces the urban heat island effect, which helps buildings earn LEED credits. The results highlight how important it is to include green roofs in urban planning as a crucial tactic for promoting sustainability in the built environment.