Canadian buildings turn green: An investigation of the role of municipalities in implementing green roof technology in Kingston and Halifax

This thesis argues for the creation of green roof policy in the Canadian municipalities of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Kingston, Ontario.; The purpose of this thesis is to provide an understanding of the need for municipal planning strategy policy changes in order to move green roof technology from its present nascent stage to an urban standard in Canada. Therefore, the research questions are: What is inhibiting the use of green roof technology in mid-sized Canadian cities such as Halifax and Kingston when there is so much documented proof of a global environmental crisis? What lessons can we learn from successful European case studies? What municipal planning instruments are needed to encourage broader use of green roof technology in Canada?; The research methods include three elements: (1) conferences, lectures, interviews and a green roof design course; (2) background literature research; and (3) site visits. The informants are experts involved with real property assessment and management, urban land acquisition and development, the design and planning of urban space, remediation of urban environmental issues, educators and finally roofing industry representatives and project managers.; Background literature covers some of the most critical environmental issues facing municipalities today and some of the government initiatives that have proven less than successful. A review of green roof history, success and adaptability supports the need for green roof policy in urban planning documents.; Major findings and analysis cover the following categories: (1) urban environmental challenges, (2) education, (3) green roof financial considerations/implications, and (4) the need for Canadian policy.; Environmental challenges stem from a global environmental crisis. Human health depends on clean water and air; however, both commodities everywhere are becoming spoiled. Municipalities have a moral obligation to provide healthful, safe environments to both current and future generations. Despite the fact that they are equipped to implement strategies of change, they could handle their responsibility better. A key impediment to more widespread use of green roof technology is lack of information. Accessible information about the technology needs to become part of educational programs, not only to promote further research, but also to dispel the mystery that surrounds any new technology. Among the many benefits of implementing green roof technology are improved human health and substantial energy savings over time; however, the technology will not become mainstream without educational strategies, research, standardization, policy and legislation.; The need for green roof policy is impeded by a general lack of understanding of a whole systems approach to sustainable urban development and planning and a lack of knowledge about the effective green alternatives available to the design and building professions. Municipal administrators have the tools to encourage better use of vertical space on buildings in order to increase collective environmental benefits and to prevent further consumption of open natural space. They need to engage with both public and private organizations to integrate research of green roof technology with that of other energy-saving measures to create cleaner, more healthful environments and long-term societal benefits.; Green roof policy development is an effective way to protect future land use decisions and to foster widespread benefits.