The Contribution of Green Roofs in the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals

Green roofs are eco-friendly systems designed to deliver environmental, economic and social benefits while they enhance the aesthetic appeal of buildings. Their construction on rooftop of buildings in urban communities is important for the local residents and the environment. The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 global objectives established by the United Nations in 2015 serving as a blueprint for developing a more sustainable, equitable and prosperous world by 2030, focusing on environmental, economic and social progress. The multiple benefits of green roofs are related with the achievement of the sustainable development goals. Creation of green roofs in urban areas facilitates the achievement of the SDG3 related with good health and well-being as well as SDG11 related with sustainable cities and communities, SDG13 related with climate action and SDG15 related with life on land. Therefore, the development of green roofs in urban areas is very useful and beneficial for the buildings’ residents, the environment and the local community. Due to multiple external benefits of green roofs their construction should be promoted with financial and non-financial incentives by municipal and regional authorities combined with removal of several barriers hindering their adoption and development.