“The Role of Green Roofs in Urban Air Filtration”

Abstract: This study examines the role of green roofs in urban air filtration, specifically their ability to mitigate airborne pollutants in Lagos, Nigeria. As urban air quality continues to decline due to rapid development, traffic congestion, and industrial emissions, nature-based solutions such as green roofs have gained attention for their environmental benefits. The research employs a quantitative approach, using structured closed-ended questionnaires administered to 196 ecological experts, architects, urban planners, and sustainability professionals. Cochran’s formula for an infinite population was used to determine the sample size, ensuring statistical significance at a 7% margin of error. Data were analyzed using advanced SPSS techniques, including descriptive statistics and inferential testing, aligned with three primary objectives: evaluating pollutant reduction, assessing the impact of plant diversity and roof design on filtration efficiency, and exploring the integration of green roofs into urban sustainability strategies. The findings show moderate agreement on the effectiveness of green roofs in reducing particulate matter and gaseous pollutants, with more substantial support for their role within broader environmental policy frameworks. The study concludes that while green roofs hold considerable promise for urban air management, their implementation in Lagos requires targeted policies, design standards, professional training, and public engagement to realize their potential fully.

Green roofs, Urban air pollution, Sustainability, Nature-based solutions, Lagos

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