Introduction
Australian cities face notable environmental, economic, and public health difficulties due to
the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, which is defined by higher temperatures in urban areas
relative to the surrounding rural regions. This process is worsened by the accumulation of
heat-absorbing materials like concrete and asphalt, which elevate surrounding temperatures.
Green roofs, which entail growing plants on the roofs of buildings, provide a sustainable way
to reduce the effects of Urban Heat Island (UHI) by naturally cooling the environment and
enhancing urban microclimates. This proposal seeks to examine the efficacy of green roofs
in mitigating urban heat island (UHI) impacts in prominent Australian cities, with a specific
emphasis on temperature reduction, energy conservation, and environmental advantages.
The goals are to measure the extent of temperature decrease, assess the effects on energy
usage, and evaluate the wider ecological advantages of green roofs.
Research Problem
This study focuses on the substantial influence of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect on both
urban temperatures and energy usage in Australian cities. Although the advantages of green
roofs are well-known, their implementation is still restricted since there is a dearth of
thorough, localized data that proves their efficiency specifically in the Australian
environment. This study aims to present empirical data on the impact of green roofs in
reducing urban heat island (UHI) effects, with the goal of influencing urban planning and
policy-making decisions (Shafique, Kim, & Rafiq, 2018; Wong et al., 2010).
Methodology
This study will utilize a mixed-methods approach, integrating the collection and analysis of
quantitative data with qualitative assessments. Some important techniques include:
Literature Review: An extensive examination of previous research on green roofs and their
effectiveness in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect, with the aim of establishing a
theoretical framework (Saadatian et al., 2013).
Examples of real-life situations: A compilation of prominent Australian cities such as
Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane that currently possess established green roof systems.
Information regarding temperature, energy consumption, and environmental characteristics
will be gathered from these locations.
Measurements taken in the field: Deploying temperature sensors and thermal imaging
cameras on both green-roofed and non-green-roofed buildings to precisely gauge surface
and surrounding temperatures.
Questionnaires and face-to-face discussions: Conduct surveys and interviews with
building owners, municipal planners, and inhabitants to collect information on the perceived
advantages and difficulties of green roofs.
Data analytic: Utilizing statistical analytic techniques to assess the cooling impact of green
roofs based on temperature data. An analysis of energy usage data will be conducted to
evaluate potential cost savings in air conditioning expenses. The assessment will also
consider environmental advantages, such as enhanced air quality and biodiversity
(Shafique, Kim, & Rafiq, 2018).
Significance of the Study
This study aims to enhance the current understanding of sustainable urban development by
offering specific evidence on the efficacy of green roofs in reducing urban heat island (UHI)
impacts in Australian cities. The discoveries will assist urban planners and policymakers in
formulating and executing plans to diminish metropolitan temperatures, decrease energy
usage, and improve environmental quality. In addition, the study will emphasize the
economic feasibility of green roofs, encouraging their increased use in urban areas (Wong et
al., 2010; Saadatian et al., 2013).
List of References
Saadatian, O., Sopian, K., Salleh, E., Lim, C. H., Riffat, S., Saadatian, E., Toudeshki,
A., & Sulaiman, M. Y. (2013). A review of energy aspects of green roofs. Renewable
and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 23, 155-168.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2013.02.022
Shafique, M., Kim, R., & Rafiq, M. (2018). Green roof benefits, opportunities and
challenges – A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 90, 757-773.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2018.04.006
Wong, N. H., Tay, S. F., Wong, R., Ong, C. L., & Sia, A. (2010). Life cycle cost
analysis of rooftop gardens in Singapore. Building and Environment, 45(1), 7-15.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.01.004
