Improving Texas With Green Roof Gardens: A Review of Green Roof Garden Systems And Evidence-Based Design Proposal For The CAPPA Building, UTA
Abstract
Texas is home to some of the hottest summers, often reaching over 100o during the
day. A few countries, like Canada and Germany, have created policies that mandated green
roof garden systems for new and renovated buildings. Studies conducted by the American
Society of Landscape Architects shows that green roofs can lower the temperature of a city
as a whole anywhere between 0.2o and 1.4o F. The implementation of green roof gardens
in Texas can aid in lowering heat islands, excessive rainwater run-off, and increase energy
efficiency in buildings. With the research conducted, this project was a creative design
proposal for the construction of a green roof garden for the CAPPA Building at the
University of Texas at Arlington, in hopes of beginning a more sustainable change.