Vol. 1 No. 4 (2026)

Articles

Green-Roof Thermal Performance and Air-Quality Benefits in Climate-Exposed Cities

Published 2026-08-07

  • Honoka Kimura
    • ,
  • Kana Matsuda
    • ,
  • Saki Ogawa

Honoka Kimura
Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan

Kana Matsuda
Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan

Saki Ogawa
Department of Environmental Ecology, Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan

Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems Research, Volume 1, Issue 4, 2026 cover

Abstract

The accelerating pace of global urbanization, coupled with the intensifying impacts of climate change, has severely compromised the environmental integrity of densely populated metropolitan regions. Climate-exposed cities are increasingly vulnerable to the synergistic detriments of urban heat island effects and localized air pollution, which together present profound threats to public health, energy consumption, and urban resilience. This comprehensive research investigates the dual utility of green roof infrastructure as a pragmatic intervention for mitigating elevated urban temperatures and filtering atmospheric pollutants. Through a rigorous observational methodology deployed across diverse urban typologies, this study quantifies the thermal regulatory capacity and air-quality enhancement potential of extensive and intensive vegetative roofing systems. The analysis encompasses an extensive evaluation of microclimatic variables, including substrate thermal dynamics, canopy evapotranspiration rates, and the aerodynamic deposition of particulate matter and gaseous contaminants. The empirical findings indicate substantial reductions in peak surface temperatures and measurable decreases in ambient particulate matter concentrations in the immediate vicinity of the green infrastructure. By systematically characterizing the mechanisms through which vegetation alters energy fluxes and captures airborne pollutants, this paper provides a robust evidentiary foundation for integrating green roofs into contemporary urban planning paradigms. The outcomes underscore the critical necessity of transitioning toward ecologically sensitive architectural practices to safeguard urban populations against extreme climatic fluctuations and deteriorating atmospheric conditions.

Keywords

Urban Heat Island, Phytoremediation, Microclimate Regulation, Particulate Matter, Sustainable Urban Planning

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