Green Roofs as a Pathway to Achieving Carbon Net-Zero in Construction

Written by Claire Shi

Research Abstract:

The construction sector accounts for a substantial portion of global energy consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to both embodied and operational carbon footprints. According to the 2015 Paris Agreement, many countries worldwide are collaborating to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In the construction industry, green roofs offer promising potential as a substantial structure for integrating into buildings, helping to achieve net-zero emissions. This study aims to evaluate how green roof design variables influence their effectiveness in achieving carbon net-zero goals within the construction sector. A structured review of relevant scholarly and government literature was conducted to assess the features and the relationship between green roofs and carbon net-zero. Findings indicate that substrate depth (intensive or extensive) and vegetation properties (albedo, leaf area index, evapotranspiration, etc.) contribute to the efficiency of green roofs in carbon mitigation toward net-zero in construction. This review addresses a general knowledge gap in leveraging the natural carbon-eliminating properties (both indirect and direct) of green roofs for carbon-neutrality goals.