Green Roofs and Urban Greening For Environmental Sustainability: A Review

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has drastically altered natural ecosystems, replacing permeable and vegetated landscapes with impervious surfaces that exacerbate urban heat, air pollution, flooding, and loss of biodiversity. Green roofs and urban greening have emerged as innovative nature-based solutions to restore ecological balance and promote environmental sustainability in cities. Green roofs—vegetated systems constructed atop buildings—along with urban green spaces such as vertical gardens, parks, and street plantations, provide multifunctional benefits that include temperature regulation, energy conservation, stormwater management, carbon sequestration, and mental well-being. This review synthesizes research findings from around the world, highlighting design principles, environmental performance, and socio-economic implications of green infrastructure. The paper also identifies key challenges in policy, maintenance, and adaptation to climate zones, and proposes an integrated model for resilient urban development.