Green Roof Carbon Sequestration Potential of Dalhousie’s Halifax Campuses

Abstract

This project aims to determine the carbon sequestration potential if extensive green roofs were installed on viable buildings on Dalhousie University's Carleton, Sexton, and Studley campuses in Halifax Regional Municipality. Reasons to undertake this project are the potential to offset Dalhousie University's carbon emissions and fulfill the university's goals regarding sustainability. Research methodology consisted of determining which Dalhousie University buildings were considered viable in supporting green roofs, using the ArcGIS to determine roof surface areas, selecting a green roof plant species that can thrive in Nova Scotia's climate, and the carbon sequestration potential of that species. By using roof surface area values in conjunction with carbon sequestration potential values, several scenarios for the total amount of carbon that could be sequestered were laid out. The total carbon sequestration was calculated to be 11,843 to 370,773 kg of carbon, or 43,393.44 to 13,585,348.56 kg of carbon dioxide. It was estimated that Dalhousie University’s carbon emissions could be decreased by 7.00% through the implementation of green roof technology. This reduction is roughly equivalent to removing 2,166 mid-size cars from the road. The implementation of green roofs still decreases the total greenhouse gas emissions released by Dalhousie. Although findings did not indicate a large mitigation of Dalhousie University’s carbon emissions, green roofs may still be used as a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, it is recommended that Dalhousie University consider the implementation of green roofs, or other sustainable techniques. This will provide opportunities for additional research while still continuously reducing environmental impacts.