Green Rooftop Systems: A South African Perspective

AbstractGreen rooftop systems are a new concept in South Africa. South Africa is a developing country with unique needs and thus aiming to implement green rooftop systems might require a different approach to first world cities with already the successful implementation of green rooftop systems. Green buildings are necessary to culture healthy cities and green rooftop systems contribute to changing buildings to being green to some degree.The empirical study was done by means of questionnaires and field notes. Questionnaires were sent out to the individuals working in the built environment to obtain expert opinions as well as to citizens of Johannesburg in order to obtain the view and perspective of the general population regarding green rooftop systems. Rooftops in Johannesburg were investigated and field notes were taken in order to determine the current standing and potential of green rooftop systems in Johannesburg.The findings indicate that there is a lack of knowledge amongst the professional team members in the construction industry regarding the construction of green rooftop systems. This indicates why professional members of the construction industry do not recommend the development thereof. The findings further indicate that there is a lack of knowledge regarding the advantages presented by green rooftop systems. Despite the lack of knowledge in the industry, the materials needed to construct green rooftop systems are available in South Africa.Despite the lack of knowledge, the findings further indicate that there is a demand for green rooftop systems in South Africa and specifically Johannesburg. The reasons for the demand thereof, despite the fact that there are green parks available, includes the following: the existing green parks are mostly avoided due to crime and dangerous and green rooftop systems provide a private, safe and secure natural environment; job creation provided by the new industry will be most welcome due to the high unemployment rate in South Africa; better insulated buildings is in demand in order to save electricity as South Africa often has insufficient power supply; improved air quality is needed specifically in the Johannesburg metropolitan due to existing bad air conditions; aesthetical satisfaction.The findings also indicate that the financial impact of the construction green rooftop systems is a great concern and is a factor that is limiting the development of green rooftop systems in South Africa. Incentives from the government will contribute in the implementation of green rooftop systems. The semi-intensive green rooftop system is however a feasible option for South African circumstances and sufficient revenue can be gained from the construction thereof in the private sector without incentives