Green roofs can help cool cities in the summer heat, but building them is only the first step – many don’t survive

The success of green roofs depends on more than just good intentions and engineering – they need long-term love and care.

By: Taylor Wishart, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: August 12, 2026

Words: 1,126

Last Updated: 6 days, 6 hours ago

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By Taylor Wishart, University of Tennessee

As summer temperatures soar across the United States and Europe, cities are being forced to confront the difficult reality that they’re getting dangerously hot.

Record-breaking heat waves strain power grids, send people to cooling shelters and can make the top floors of some apartment buildings unlivable.

One way to help cool buildings is to install green roofs – living rooftops covered by plants that can transform …

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