The Case for Green Roofs. Exploring green roof policy as a tool to increase urban sustainability. A Case Study of Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago

Abstract: Trinidad and Tobago is a country with a long history in the hydrocarbon industry. This makes the country one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean region and most poised to be at the edge of innovation and sustainable technology use. However, unsustainable urban development practices have resulted in increasing negative impacts. Governments world-wide have been introducing policies and regulations to promote green roofs in urban buildings. However, the technology is relatively unexplored in Caribbean environments such as Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This thesis examines the major drivers for a green roof policy in Port of Spain, ex ante, as well as explores the potential barriers that would be encountered based on the experiences of other past programs and initiatives with environmental sustainability goals.Case study approach is adopted to investigate the background and case context of Port of Spain using the implementation routes for green roof policy globally with special focus on Singapore to frame the research.The paper concludes by providing further suggestions and actions that can help mitigate these existing barriers.