What are the root causes hindering the implementation of green roofs in urban China?

It is worldwide accepted that green roofs have a variety of environmental, economic, and social benefits. China, which is experiencing rapid urbanization, has great potential to gain the benefits of green roofs, yet which are not commonly seen in the existing or new buildings. Understanding its root causes is important for promoting the larger-scale implementation of green roofs. Previous studies have studied the barriers of implementing green roofs in developed urban areas but ignored developing countries or regions, whose implementation of green roofs is still at the initial stage. To fill the research gap, this study aims to investigate the root causes that impede the implementation of green roofs in urban China through a practical survey and case study. The root causes are identified as the increase of maintenance cost, increase of design and construction cost, poor arrangement of the use of green roofs, and lack of incentives towards developers. Policy implications are proposed, which provide valuable references for decision-makers to improve the green-roof-related codes, policies and incentives. [Display omitted] •A practical survey and case study of green roofs is conducted in urban China.•Root causes hindering the implementation of green roofs are identified.•Increase of costs, usage arrangement, and incentives are the root causes.•The green-roof-related codes, policies and incentives need improvement.