How green rooftops can help cool off hot cities
March 22, 2022
Recent research suggests that green roofs — rooftops covered with greenery or other sun-reflecting materials — can reduce heat in cities.
City features like asphalt and concrete absorb and retain a significant amount of heat, creating what is known as the urban heat island effect. This phenomenon leads cities to record temperatures up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit higher than neighboring suburbs or rural areas, an effect that research suggests might be mitigated with soil and a diversity of plants on city roofs.