Assessing the impact of urban green roof systems on thermal comfort, stormwater management, and biodiversity in mid-sized cities using remote sensing and GIS analysis

Project Abstract

This study investigates the multifaceted roles of urban green roof systems in mid-sized cities, focusing on thermal comfort, stormwater management, and biodiversity, through a synthesis of remote sensing data, GIS analysis, and field validation. We quantify how green roof adoption modulates microclimatic variables by comparing rooftop and surrounding air temperatures, surface albedo, and heat fluxes across representative building typologies under different seasonal and meteorological conditions. By integrating high-resolution satellite imagery, aerial LiDAR, and in-situ sensor networks, we develop a spatiotemporal framework to map cooling effects, quantify urban heat island attenuation, and assess diurnal variability in thermal comfort indices (e.g., PET, UTCI) for residents and vulnerable groups. In the stormwater domain, the research evaluates interception, retention, evapotranspiration, and delayed runoff using a hybrid hydrological model that couples roof-thermodynamic processes with city-scale rainfall-runoff dynamics. We calibrate and validate the model with rainfall-runoff experiments, digital elevation models, and ground-truth measurements from rain gauges and flow meters on several green roof installations of varying depth, substrate composition, and vegetation. Scenario analyses simulate different retrofit strategies, including incremental green roof coverage, substrate enhancement, and integrated rainwater harvesting, to optimize peak discharge reductions, groundwater recharge, and pollutant attenuation. Biodiversity assessment focuses on habitat provisioning, pollinator support, and species richness associated with green roof mosaics. We combine remotely sensed vegetation indices, thermal stress metrics, and a standardized survey protocol (bird and insect sampling, vegetation surveys) to evaluate habitat quality, connectivity to urban green corridors, and seasonal biodiversity trends. The study examines plant–insect–bird interactions, the resilience of green roofs to invasive species, and the potential trade-offs between structural load limits and ecological functions. The methodology includes a multi-criteria decision analysis to weigh thermal comfort benefits, hydrological performance, and biodiversity gains under economic constraints and policy scenarios. We develop an open-access GIS toolkit and a modular remote sensing workflow for city planners to replicate the study in other urban contexts. Uncertainty analysis addresses data resolution, model parameterization, and spatial heterogeneity across neighborhoods. The anticipated outcomes provide evidence-based guidance for optimizing green roof design (depth, substrate, plant selection), prioritizing installation in high-heat zones, improving stormwater resilience, and enhancing urban biodiversity, thereby contributing to climate adaptation, sustainable water management, and livability in mid-sized cities.

Project Overview

What This Project Is About

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This project explores how installing green roofs on buildings in mid-sized cities can affect outdoor temperatures, rainwater control, and local biodiversity. It uses simple maps and satellite data to compare areas with and without green roofs and to understand how these roofs perform in real city conditions.

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The Problem It Addresses

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Cities face heat buildup, more stormwater runoff, and loss of small wildlife habitats. Green roofs are proposed as a solution, but it’s unclear how well they work in mid-sized cities with varying building types and climates. This project investigates whether green roofs meaningfully improve comfort, reduce flooding risk, and support biodiversity in these settings.

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Objectives of the Project

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1. Explain the basics of how green roofs can influence temperature, rainwater, and biodiversity in cities.
2. Assess differences between buildings with green roofs and those without in a mid-sized city.
3. Use simple remote sensing and mapping tools to visualize these effects.
4. Provide practical guidance for city planners and property owners.

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What You Will Do Step by Step

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1. Learn basic concepts: urban heat, stormwater, and habitat needs of common rooftop species.
2. Collect data on building roofs and vegetation from public maps and satellite images.
3. Identify a study area in a mid-sized city and select sample buildings with and without green roofs.
4. Compare surface temperatures, runoff patterns, and presence of plants or birds using simple analysis tools.
5. Summarize findings in clear visuals and a short report.

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Expected Outcome

Arrive at practical, easy-to-understand conclusions about whether green roofs help with heat, rain management, and biodiversity in mid-sized cities, plus recommendations for stakeholders.