Authors : Ogunnaike Adekunle; Akinmoladun Ayokunle A; Adejare Oludele S; Odebiyi Ezekiel; Adewunmi Jonathan; Dayomi Mathew

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/mr2w9678

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1347

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Note : Google Scholar may take 30 to 40 days to display the article.

Abstract : This study assesses the impact of green roofs on building energy efficiency within the hyper-dense, rapidly urbanizing context of Ebute Metta, Lagos, Nigeria. Employing systematic desk research, it synthesizes global evidence and local data to evaluate thermal performance, retrofit viability, and policy frameworks. Findings indicate green roofs can reduce cooling energy consumption by 15-25% in Lagos's tropical climate through evapotranspiration and thermal buffering, significantly lowering peak electricity demand. Key barriers include structural limitations in existing buildings (72% of stock), high installation costs (₦25,000/m2), and policy gaps in Nigeria's building code. Lightweight extensive systems using optimized local substrates (e.g., laterite-stone blends) and drought-tolerant native vegetation are identified as viable retrofit solutions, with community co-operative models reducing payback periods to 6-9 years through cost-sharing and recycled materials. Beyond energy savings, green roofs deliver critical co-benefits including mitigating urban heat islands (4.2°C surface cooling observed in Lagos pilots), reducing stormwater runoff by 27%, and improving air quality. The study concludes that green roofs offer a multi-functional resilience strategy for Ebute Metta but require integrated policy interventions—including revised building mandates, financial incentives (tax rebates, density bonuses), and local supply chain development—to overcome socioeconomic and regulatory hurdles. Recommendations emphasize phased implementation prioritizing public buildings and community-driven models.

Keywords : Green Roofs, Energy Efficiency, Ebute Metta, Urbanization, Retrofit Viability.

References :

1. Abass Younis, F. H. (2021). Thermal performance improvement for residential buildings in the tropics through the application of green façade and green roof (Doctoral dissertation, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia).
2. Abdalazeem, M. E., Hassan, H., Asawa, T., & Mahmoud, H. (2024). Enhancing energy efficiency in hot climate buildings through integrated photovoltaic panels and green roofs: An experimental study. Solar Energy, 270, 112419.
3. Adedeji, I. (2023). Nigerian urbanization and the significance of affordable housing. Journal of Service Science and Management, 16(3), 351-368.
4. Adegun, O. B., Ikudayisi, A. E., Morakinyo, T. E., & Olusoga, O. O. (2021). Urban green infrastructure in Nigeria: A review. Scientific African, 14, e01044.
5. Aigbokhan, E. I. (2024). Harnessing Traditional Knowledge and Modern Science for the Conservation of Plant Diversity in Nigeria.
6. Alim, M. A., Rahman, A., Tao, Z., Garner, B., Griffith, R., & Liebman, M. (2022). Green roof as an effective tool for sustainable urban development: An Australian perspective in relation to stormwater and building energy management. Journal of Cleaner Production, 362, 132561.
7. Amasuomo, T. (2021). Barriers To The Adoption Of Environmentally Sustainable Design Methods In Residential Buildings. The Architects’ And Building Owners’ Perspectives In Four Nigerian States (Doctoral dissertation, Open Access Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington).
8. Anwar, M., Rasul, M. G., & Khan, M. M. K. (2020). Performance Analysis of rooftop greenery systems in Australian subtropical climate. Energy Reports, 6, 50-56.
9. Ascione, F., Bianco, N., De Masi, R. F., de Rossi, F., & Vanoli, G. P. (2015). Technical and economic analysis of green roofs to reduce building cooling needs (pp. 349–378). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-1-78242-380-5.00013-3
10. Aseyan, B. S. (2021). Green infrastructure for stormwater management: A case study of Akure, Nigeria. OCERINT Journal. https://www.ocerints.org/darch21_e-publication/papers/17Babajide%20Sunday%20Aseyan.pdf
11. Azis, S. S. A., Ismail, I. Z., Sipan, I., Ali, H. M., Zulkifli, N. A. A., & Razali, M. N. (2020). Energy saving and maintenance expenditure of green roof: An empirical study in Johor Bahru. Paper presented at the 26th Annual Pacific Rim Real Estate Society Conference, Canberra, Australia.
12. Azkorra-Larrinaga, Z., Romero-Anton, N., Martin-Escudero, K., & Lopez-Ruiz, G. (2023). Environmentally Sustainable Green Roof Design for Energy Demand Reduction. Buildings. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13071846
13. Basyouni, Y. A., & Mahmoud, H. (2024). Affordable green materials for developed cool roof applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 202, 114722.
14. Basyouni, Y. A., & Mahmoud, H. (2024). Affordable green materials for developed cool roof applications: A review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 202, 114722.
15. Bevilacqua, P. (2021). The effectiveness of green roofs in reducing building energy consumptions across different climates. A summary of literature results. Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews, 151, 111523. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.RSER.2021.111523
16. Bosco, C., Abdalla, E. M. H., Muthanna, T. M., Alfredsen, K., Rasten, B., Kjennbakken, H., & Sivertsen, E. (2023). Evaluating the Stormwater Management Model for hydrological simulation of infiltration swales in cold climates. Blue-Green Systems, 5(2), 306-320.
17. Bruno, R., Bevilacqua, P., & Arcuri, N. (2021). Green roofs as passive system to moderate building cooling requirements and UHI effects: Assessments by means of experimental data (pp. 205–245). Woodhead Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-820791-8.00010-9
18. Cascone, S. (2019). Green roof design: State of the art on technology and materials. Sustainability, 11(11), 3020.
19. Chang, H., & Ross, A. R. (2024). Lagos, Nigeria. In Climate Change, Urbanization, and Water Resources: Towards Resilient Urban Water Resource Management (pp. 83-95). Cham: Springer International Publishing.
20. Charkas, M., & Galal, K. S. (2023). Embedding virtual reality in architectural pedagogy: instructionism versus constructionism approach. Architecture and Planning Journal (APJ), 29(1), 6.
21. Coma Arpón, J. (2016). Green roofs and vertical greenery systems as passive tools for energy efficiency in buildings. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/tesis?codigo=115361
22. Davies, I. E. E., & RM, D. O. D. (2024). Inclusive The Impact of Green Buildings on the Development of a Sustainable Environment in Nigeria. International Journal of Housing and Human Settlement Planning, 10(2), 40-53p.
23. Dipeolu, A. A., Ibem, E. O., & Fadamiro, J. A. (2021). Determinants of residents’ preferences for Urban Green infrastructure in Nigeria: Evidence from Lagos Metropolis. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 57, 126931.
24. Doost, Z. H., Alsuwaiyan, M., & Yaseen, Z. M. (2024). Runoff management based water harvesting for better water resources sustainability: a comprehensive review. Knowledge-Based Engineering and Sciences, 5(1), 1-45.
25. Environews Nigeria (2019, November 1). Lagos megacity: Meaning, challenges and solutions. Environews Nigeria. https://www.environewsnigeria.com/lagos-megacity-meaning-challenges-and-solutions/
26. Environews Nigeria (2023, December 22). Lagos urges occupants to evacuate distressed buildings as one collapses in Ebute-Metta. Environews Nigeria. https://www.environewsnigeria.com/lagos-urges-occupants-to-evacuate-distressed-buildings-as-one-collapses-in-ebute-metta/
27. Evangelisti, L., Guattari, C., Grazieschi, G., Roncone, M., & Asdrubali, F. (2020). On the energy performance of an innovative green roof in the mediterranean climate. Energies, 13(19), 5163. https://doi.org/10.3390/EN13195163
28. Ezeneke B. (2025, April 29). Roofing trends in Nigeria 2025 [Updated]. Bullion Rise Consult. https://bullionriseconsult.com/roofing-trends-in-nigeria-2025-updated/
29. Gagliano, A., Detommaso, M., & Nocera, F. (2017). Assessment of the Green Roofs Thermal Dynamic Behavior for Increasing the Building Energy Efficiencies (pp. 37–59). Springer Science + Business Media. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52076-6_2
30. Goda, Z. M. A., Foda, M. A. M., & Elsayyad, N. A. E. (2023). Using Green Roofs for Social Housing to Improve Energy Consumption in New Cities. (An Applied Study of Social Housing in Egypt’s New Cairo City). Future Cities and Environment, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.5334/fce.165
31. Gosseye, J., Avermaete, T., & Heins, M. (2023). Symposium of Urban Design History and Theory.
32. Guattari, C., Evangelisti, L., Asdrubali, F., & De Lieto Vollaro, R. (2020). Experimental Evaluation and Numerical Simulation of the Thermal Performance of a Green Roof. Applied Sciences, 10(5), 1767. https://doi.org/10.3390/APP10051767
33. Guerin, B., Janta, B., & van Gorp, A. (2018). Desk-based research and literature review. Evaluating interventions that prevent or counter violent extremism, 63, RR-2094.
34. Howard, L. (1818). The climate of London: deduced from meteorological observations, made at different places in the neighbourhood of the metropolis (Vol. 1). W. Phillips, George Yard, Lombard Street, sold also by J. and A. Arch, Cornhill; Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy, and W. Bent, Paternoster Row; and J. Hatchard, Picadilly.
35. Ikudayisi, A. E., & Adegun, O. B. (2025). Pathways for green building acceleration in fast-growing countries: a case study on Nigeria. Built Environment Project and Asset Management.
36. Irfeey, A. M. M., Chau, H. W., Sumaiya, M. M. F., Wai, C. Y., Muttil, N., & Jamei, E. (2023). Sustainable mitigation strategies for urban heat island effects in urban areas. Sustainability, 15(14), 10767.
37. Irga, P., Fleck, R., Wooster, E., Torpy, F., Pettit, T., Gill, R., & Ball, J. (2021). Green Roof & Solar Array–Comparative Research Project Final Report July 2021.
38. Jamei, E., Thirunavukkarasu, G. S., Abuseif, M., Seyedmahmoudian, M., Mekhilef, S., Stojcevski, A., & Chau, H.-W. (2023). Simulation-Based Study on the Effect of Green Roofs on Summer Energy Performance in Melbourne. Land, 12(12), 2105. https://doi.org/10.3390/land12122105
39. Jia, S., Weng, Q., Yoo, C., Xiao, H., & Zhong, Q. (2024). Building energy savings by green roofs and cool roofs in current and future climates. Npj Urban Sustainability, 4, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42949-024-00159-8
40. Kachenchart, B., & Panprayun, G. (2024). Selection of tropical plants for an extensive green roof with abilities of thermal performance, energy conservation, and greenhouse gas mitigation. Building and Environment, 265, 112029.
41. Khan, H. S., & Asif, M. (2017). Impact of green roof and orientation on the energy performance of buildings: A case study from Saudi Arabia. Sustainability, 9(4), 640.
42. Koranteng, C., Simons, B., & Nyame-Tawiah, D. (2021). Simulation-based analysis of the effect of green roofs on thermal performance of buildings in a tropical landscape. Journal on Innovation and Sustainability RISUS, 12(1), 45-56.
43. Kuok, K. K., Chiu, P. C., Chin, M. Y., Rahman, M. R., & Bakri, M. K. (2023). Green Roof Performance for Stormwater Management in Equatorial Urban Areas Using Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). Journal of Water Resource and Protection, 15(12), 706-720.
44. Lee, E., Seo, Y., & Woo, D. K. (2024). Enhanced environmental and economic benefits of green roofs in a humid subtropical region under future climate. Ecological Engineering, 201, 107221. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2024.107221
45. Lee, L. S., & Jim, C. Y. (2018). Thermal-cooling performance of subtropical green roof with deep substrate and woodland vegetation. Ecological Engineering, 119, 8-18.
46. Liu, C., Zhang, X., Jiang, M., Zhu, S., Wang, Z., & Long, J. (2024). The Coupled Thermal Response Analysis of Green Roofs Based on the Discrete Element Method. Buildings, 14(12), 3984. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14123984
47. Liu, W., Feng, Q., Engel, B. A., & Zhang, X. (2023). Cost-effectiveness analysis of extensive green roofs for urban stormwater control in response to future climate change scenarios. Science of The Total Environment, 856, 159127.
48. Mihalakakou, G., Souliotis, M., Papadaki, M., Menounou, P., Dimopoulos, P., Kolokotsa, D., ... & Papaefthimiou, S. (2023). Green roofs as a nature-based solution for improving urban sustainability: Progress and perspectives. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 180, 113306.
49. Mills, G., Futcher, J., & Stewart, I. D. (2021). The urban heat island: its energetic basis and management. Urban microclimate modelling for comfort and energy studies, 23-53.
50. Nasr, Y., El Zakhem, H., Hamami, A. E. A., El Bachawati, M., & Belarbi, R. (2024). Comprehensive Assessment of the Impact of Green Roofs and Walls on Building Energy Performance: A Scientific Review. Energies, 17(20), 5160.
51. NomadSeason (2025, April 17). Lagos climate. https://nomadseason.com/climate/nigeria/lagos.html
52. Novatia Consulting (2024, November 21). Green infrastructure research in Nigeria. https://novatiaconsulting.com/green-infrastructure-research-in-nigeria/
53. Obilor, N. M., Amadi, F. U., & Ahamefula, G. C. (2024). Urbanization And Environmental Sustainability In Lagos State, Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka Journal of Sociology, 10(1).
54. Ochedi, E. T., & Taki, A. (2019). Towards energy efficient buildings in Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Engineering and Architecture, 7(2), 125-133.
55. Odu, T. Y. (2019). Making a Business Case for Green Housing Investment in Lagos, Nigeria (Doctoral dissertation, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College).
56. Oke, O. S., Aliu, J. O., Duduyegbe, O. M., & Oke, A. E. (2025). Assessing Awareness and Adoption of Green Policies and Programs for Sustainable Development: Perspectives from Construction Practitioners in Nigeria. Sustainability (2071-1050), 17(5).
57. Okon, E. M., Falana, B. M., Solaja, S. O., Yakubu, S. O., Alabi, O. O., Okikiola, B. T., ... & Edeme, A. B. (2021). Systematic review of climate change impact research in Nigeria: implication for sustainable development. Heliyon, 7(9).
58. Okunmadewa, A. (2021). Green Roofs in Lagos: A Worthy Rooftop Culture (Master's thesis, University of Georgia).
59. Okunmadewa, A. (2021). Green Roofs in Lagos: A Worthy Rooftop Culture (Master's thesis, University of Georgia).
60. Olusegun, O. (2023, November 19). LASBCA demolishes four floor structure in Ebute-Metta …..marks 42 other buildings as distressed. Lagos State Building Control Agency. https://lasbca.lagosstate.gov.ng/lasbca-demolishes-four-floor-structure-in-ebute-metta-marks-42-other-buildings-as-distressed/
61. Onyedikachi, J. O., Saheed, O. A., Samuel, J. A., Olufisayo, A. F., & Adedamola, F. I. (2024). Geostatistical Modelling Of Urban Heat Island Effect: Analysing The Relationship Between Land Use Patterns And Land Surface Temperature In Lagos, Nigeria. International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference: SGEM, 2024(2.1), 315-324.
62. Oyewo, O., & Oyewale, O. O. (2023). Population growth and economic Wellbeing in Lagos, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Horticultural Science, 27(2), 95-106.
63. Park, J., Shin, Y., Kim, S., Lee, S. W., & An, K. (2022). Efficient plant types and coverage rates for optimal green roof to reduce urban heat island effect. Sustainability, 14(4), 2146.
64. Perivoliotis, D., Arvanitis, I., Tzavali, A., Papakostas, V., Kappou, S., Andreakos, G., Fotiadi, A., Paravantis, J.A., Souliotis, M., & Mihalakakou, G. (2023). Sustainable Urban Environment through Green Roofs: A Literature Review with Case Studies. Sustainability.
65. Perivoliotis, D., Arvanitis, I., Tzavali, A., Papakostas, V., Kappou, S., Andreakos, G., Fotiadi, A., Paravantis, J. A., Souliotis, M., & Mihalakakou, G. (2023). Sustainable Urban Environment through Green Roofs: A Literature Review with Case Studies. Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su152215976
66. Pragati, S., Shanthi Priya, R., Pradeepa, C., & Senthil, R. (2023). Simulation of the energy performance of a building with green roofs and green walls in a tropical climate. Sustainability, 15(3), 2006.
67. Radiance Marketing Growth (2025, May 26). Green roofing system market research 2025: Data-driven trends and insights. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/green-roofing-system-market-research-2025-data-driven-wp8yc/
68. Rahman, A. A., Zaid, S. M., & Shuhaimi, N. D. A. M. (2022). Effects of green roof in reducing surface temperature and addressing urban heat island in tropical climate of Malaysia. Journal of Design and Built Environment, 22(2), 1-20.
69. Rötzer, T., Moser-Reischl, A., Rahman, M. A., Grote, R., Pauleit, S., & Pretzsch, H. (2021). Modelling urban tree growth and ecosystem services: Review and perspectives. Progress in Botany Vol. 82, 405-464.
70. Saleh, M. S. (2025). Green roof energy efficiency in tropical climates. Technium Social Sciences Journal, 68(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.47577/tssj.v68i1.12411
71. Saleh, M., Fitriaty, P., & Bassaleng, A. J. R. (2025). Performance of Green Roofs on Building Energy Efficiency in Tropical and Subtropical Climates. Technium Soc. Sci. J., 68, 316.
72. Salihu, M. M., Musa, M. A., Ibrahim, A. G., Usman, J., & Salisu, A. S. (2024). Weight and structural considerations of potential green roof growth: Media compositions for the Nigerian building industry.
73. Salihu, S. M. (2021). Evaluating green roof substrates for Nigerian buildings. Environmental Technology & Science Journal, 12(2). https://www.ajol.info/index.php/etsj/article/view/224251/211548
74. Salvalai, G., Marrone, G., Sesana, M. M., & Imperadori, M. (2023). Lightweight extensive green roof for building renovation: summer performance analysis and application in a living laboratory. Energy and Buildings. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2023.113589
75. Shishegar, N. (2015). Green roofs: enhancing energy and environmental performance of buildings. https://doi.org/10.6084/M9.FIGSHARE.1480458.V1
76. Souza, C. R. B., Souza, S. N. M. de, Secco, D., Lenz, A. M., & Siqueira, J. A. C. (2018). Green roofs and their contribution for the reduction of room temperature in buildings in Cascavel-State Paraná/green roofs and energy efficiency. Acta Scientiarum-Technology, 40(1), 35267. https://doi.org/10.4025/ACTASCITECHNOL.V40I1.35267
77. Sustainable Solutions for Green Growth. (2023). Lagos Green Roof Resilience Project. SSFORGG. https://ssforgg.org/work/52/lagos-green-roof-resilience-project
78. Suszanowicz, D., & Wiecek, A. (2019). Thermal performance of green roofs. Sustainability. https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/19886f2230a17f2de31e71a10071176411612d31
79. The Business Research Company (2025, February). Green roof market report 2025. Research and Markets. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5790693/green-roof-market-report
80. The Business Research Company (TBRC) (2025). Green roof global market report 2025. https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/green-roof-global-market-report
81. Ugah, U. U. K., Babalola, O., & Nduka-Kalu, C. (2024). Sustainable Tropical Architecture and Building Energy Regulations.
82. Unegbu, H. C. O., Yawas, D. S., Dan-asabe, B., & Alabi, A. A. (2024). Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Roofs and Walls in Nigeria’s Urban Centers.
83. Vourdoubas, J. (2024). The Contribution of Green Roofs in the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Engineering and Technology Journal, 09(10). https://doi.org/10.47191/etj/v9i10.03
84. Wong, M. E. (2021). Revisiting Jane Jacobs’s urban complexity in global sustainability city discourse. Architecture_MPS, 19(1).
85. World Bank (n.d.). Climate data historical. Climate Knowledge Portal. https://climateknowledgeportal.worldbank.org/country/nigeria/climate-data-historical
86. Zhang, Y., Zhang, L., Ma, L., Meng, Q., & Ren, P. (2019). Cooling benefits of an extensive green roof and sensitivity analysis of its parameters in subtropical areas. Energies, 12(22), 4278.
87. Zheng, X., Kong, F., Yin, H., Middel, A., Yang, S., Liu, H., & Huang, J. (2023). Green roof cooling and carbon mitigation benefits in a subtropical city. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 86, 128018.