A Systematic Review of Green Roofs’ Thermal and Energy Performance in the Mediterranean Region
Edoardo De Cristo, Luca Evangelisti, Leone Barbaro, Roberto De Lieto Vollaro, Francesco Asdrubali
Abstract
Due to ongoing climate change, urban areas face increasing challenges associated with rising temperatures and growing energy demand. Green roofs have emerged as a sustainable, nature-based solution to enhance urban resilience. This study presents a systematic review of the thermal and energy performance of green roofs in the Mediterranean region, and was conducted following the PRISMA framework. By identifying targeted research questions formulated using the PICO(C) structure, this review systematically evaluates the potential of green roofs to promote sustainable urban environments in Mediterranean regions. The findings highlight their effectiveness in mitigating heat stress, enhancing building energy efficiency, and counteracting urban temperature fluctuations, reinforcing their role as a key climate adaptation strategy in densely populated areas. The review also identifies critical research gaps that must be addressed to facilitate the large-scale adoption of green roofs. Specifically, the lack of long-term performance monitoring, the need for standardized assessment protocols, and the necessity of optimizing green roof configurations for Mediterranean subregions emerge as key areas for future investigation. This study bridges a crucial gap in the literature by providing a systematic, PRISMA-compliant evaluation. It offers the scientific community a robust knowledge base to inform policy, urban planning, and future research directions.