Research Proposal for B.Sc. Engineering
MILITARY INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, DHAKA
1. Name of the Student: Md. Zihan Khan
Roll No: 202311048
2. Present Address: Matuail Mrridhabari ,Jatrabari ,Dhaka
Email: zihankhan1233@gmail.com
3. Name of the Department:
Semester: 3-1
Session: Fall 2025
Telephone No: 01313279046
Department of Civil Engineering
4. Name of the Supervisor: Monir sir
Affiliation:
Email:monir123@gmail.com
Telephone No:
5. Thesis Title: Green Infrastructure and Climate Adaptation: Assessing Rooftop Gardens and Green Roofs in Dhaka,
Bangladesh
6. Background and Present State of the Problem:
Climate hazards are posing an increasing threat to urban regions in the Global South, with Dhaka, Bangladesh, serving
as a key example [1]. Dhaka, one of the world's fastest-growing and most densely populated megacities, is facing
escalating problems like the urban heat island effect, frequent floods, poor air quality [2], and power outages, all of
which are being exacerbated by climate change [3]. People's comfort, health, and the city's capacity to recover have all
suffered as a result of the city's excessive reliance on concrete structures and lack of green space. Consequently, green
roofs and rooftop gardens – two examples of sustainable building techniques – are beginning to gain traction as useful,
natural
solutions
to
combat
climate
change
and
improve
urban
sustainability[4].
In recent times, research has highlighted the advantages of green roofs in tropical climates. In the year 2021, Rahman
and his colleagues discovered that the installation of green roofs in Dhaka could reduce air temperatures by up to 4°C
and decrease cooling energy requirements by roughly 20%, which would provide significant relief from the heat island
effect[5]. The storage of carbon in these setups is facilitated by the intake of about 1.35 kg per square meter of CO2
each year, which enhances indoor comfort and reduces the heat absorbed by concrete[6]. Other studies, such as those
conducted by Zhang et al. in 2023, demonstrate comparable decreases in temperatures between 2 and 5°C and energy
savings of 10 to 30% in regions with heavily green roofed areas [7]. This is the case. These strategies are not just ecofriendly, as they are crucial for adjusting to climate shifts in places like Dhaka, where prolonged heat waves have
increased the need for cooling[8].
Urban areas benefit from green roofs to manage stormwater, in addition to providing cooling.. The monsoon, with
poor drainage and surfaces that do not absorb water, results in over 60% of Dhaka's rain-dumped rainfall, making
flooding a persistent problem. According to reports from Kumar et al. in 2022 and Islam & Rahman in 2020, green
roofs can absorb 50 to 70% of runoff, which can reduce the burden on drainage networks [9]. In 2022, Saha and his
colleagues showcased how rooftop farming, particularly with green roofs, can reduce runoff by 15 to 20% while also
promoting food production and biodiversity in the city[10].
Despite the solid evidence, the implementation of these practices in Dhaka is still limited [11]. The year 2024 in which
Ahmed et al. reported on the issue, highlighted obstacles such as expensive installation and upkeep costs—around
USD 50 to 100 per square meter[12]—a lack of expertise, limited rewards, and lax regulations [13]. Roughly 360,000
buildings with flat roofs in the city can accommodate green roof construction, but less than 5% of them are currently
being used, and mostly located in high-end areas like Gulshan and Banani [14]. The gap between theoretical
possibilities and the actual situation on the ground is emphasized [15].
Another issue is the lack of targeted local policies and reliable long-term statistics.. Many international studies such as
those by Zhang et al. (2023) or by Kumar edelman (2022) are from cooler climates, so it is not fully relevant to
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Dhaka's steamy, humid and flood-heavy environment. In home-based studies it is common to use small samples, quick
tests, or choose commercial areas instead of residential ones [16].
Despite the fact that rooftop gardens and green building tactics are effective in adjusting to climate change in Dhaka,
we have not thoroughly examined their effectiveness in managing different risks across different areas of the city[17].
Current work sites offer advantages and disadvantages but do not measure things such as cooling power, flood control,
energy efficiency, and community sentiment [18]. Why is this [19]? Dhaka's unique social and ecological conditions
necessitate few strong, evidence-based policy suggestions[20].
My research aims to investigate the effectiveness of green roofs and roof gardens in real-world Dhaka environments as
part of a more comprehensive climate resilience plan[21]. Through on-site surveys, GIS mapping, and feedback from
stakeholders[22], I will analyze outcomes across different building styles and neighborhoods[23]. The goal is to have
a complete picture of when these systems operate best and to give practical advice to decision-makers, planners and
property owners[24]. The outcomes are expected to support the development of green infrastructure in one of the
world's most vulnerable major cities [25].
7. Objectives with Specific Aims and Possible Outcome:
The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of rooftop gardens and green roofs in enhancing
climate resilience in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Specific objectives:
(i) To assess the microclimatic benefits of green roofs and rooftop gardens in different urban neighborhoods of
Dhaka by measuring temperature reduction, humidity regulation, and energy savings.
(ii) To evaluate the stormwater retention capacity of green roofs during the monsoon season and their potential to
mitigate urban flooding.
(iii) To analyze public perception, socioeconomic barriers, and policy gaps affecting the widespread adoption of
green roofs in Dhaka.
Possible outcome:
This study will generate empirical evidence on the performance of green roofs in tropical, densely populated urban
environments. The findings will support urban planners and policymakers in formulating incentive-based policies
and building codes to promote green infrastructure for climate adaptation in Dhaka and similar cities.
8. Research Methodology:
(a) Data Collection:
Primary data will be collected through field surveys and on-site measurements from selected green roof and
rooftop garden sites across Dhaka, including residential, commercial, and institutional buildings in diverse
neighborhoods (e.g., Gulshan, Mohammadpur, and Jatrabari). Microclimatic data (air temperature, relative
humidity, surface temperature) will be recorded using portable weather stations and infrared thermometers
during peak summer and monsoon seasons. Stormwater runoff data will be collected using rain gauges and
runoff measurement setups on paired green and conventional roofs.
Secondary data will include satellite imagery (for GIS-based land use and surface temperature mapping),
building typologies, and climatic records from the Bangladesh Meteorological Department. Additionally, semistructured interviews and questionnaires will be administered to building owners, architects, and municipal
officials to understand socio-institutional challenges and public perception.
(b) Data Processing:
Collected microclimatic and runoff data will be cleaned, normalized, and analyzed for seasonal variations. GIS
tools (QGIS/ ArcGIS) will be used to map spatial distribution of surface temperatures and potential green roof
coverage. Survey responses will be coded and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
(c) Model Development / Analysis Framework:
A comparative performance index will be developed to evaluate green roofs based on cooling efficiency,
stormwater retention, and socioeconomic feasibility. Statistical models (e.g., multiple regression) will be used
to identify key predictors influencing performance and adoption.
(d) Model Assessment / Validation:
Findings will be validated through cross-case comparison and stakeholder feedback workshops. The robustness
of results will be assessed using sensitivity analysis and triangulation of quantitative and qualitative data.
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9. Cost Estimation: (Break-ups can be provided in separate sheet, if required)
Sl. No.
1
2
3
Items
Quantity
Unit Cost
Cost (BDT)
(a) Portable Weather Station
1
25000
25000
(b) Infrared Thermometer
1
8000
8000
(c) Rain Gauge & Runoff Kit
1
7000
7000
(d) SSD & Data Storage
2
3000
6000
(e) Typing, Drafting, Binding & Paper
1
5000
5,000
(a) Field Survey
10
3000
30000
(b) Stakeholder Workshop
1
5000
5000
Conveyance / Data Collection
1
10000
10,000
Cost of Materials
Other Cost
Total Amount
81,000
10. Reference:
[1]
G. A. P. Lopez and L. C. L. de Souza, “Urban green spaces and the influence on vehicular traffic
noise control,” Ambient. Construído, vol. 18, no. 4, pp. 161–175, Oct. 2018, doi: 10.1590/S167886212018000400299.
[2] L. M. Cook and T. A. Larsen, “Towards a performance-based approach for multifunctional green
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10.1016/J.BUILDENV.2020.107489.
[3] C. Huang et al., “Clinical features of patients infected with 2019 novel coronavirus in Wuhan,
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[4] G. Mihalakakou et al., “Green roofs as a nature-based solution for improving urban sustainability:
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10.1016/j.rser.2023.113306.
[5] I. Andric, A. Kamal, and S. G. Al-Ghamdi, “Efficiency of green roofs and green walls as climate
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Reports, vol. 6, pp. 2476–2489, 2020, doi: 10.1016/j.egyr.2020.09.006.
[6] F. Barriuso and B. Urbano, “Green roofs and walls design intended to mitigate climate change in
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[7] R. Barrett, C. W. Kuzawa, T. McDade, and G. J. Armelagos, “Emerging and re-emerging infectious
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[10] P. C. Jain, “Greenhouse effect and climate change: scientific basis and overview,” Renew. Energy,
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e42315, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1016/J.HELIYON.2025.E42315.
[12] I. M. Shaharul and A. B. Sade, “The Development of Green Building Technologies in Bangladesh:
A Systematic Review,” Int. Res. J. Multidiscip. Scope, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 165–182, Apr. 2025, doi:
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10.47857/IRJMS.2025.V06I02.03813.
[13] C. P. Morice et al., “An Updated Assessment of Near-Surface Temperature Change From 1850:
The HadCRUT5 Data Set,” J. Geophys. Res. Atmos., vol. 126, no. 3, Feb. 2021, doi:
10.1029/2019JD032361.
[14] U. Nations, “Causes and Effects of Climate Change | United Nations”, Accessed: Aug. 21, 2025.
[Online]. Available: https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/causes-effects-climate-change
[15] K. Abbass, M. Z. Qasim, H. Song, M. Murshed, H. Mahmood, and I. Younis, “A review of the
global climate change impacts, adaptation, and sustainable mitigation measures,” Environ. Sci.
Pollut. Res. 2022 2928, vol. 29, no. 28, pp. 42539–42559, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.1007/S11356-02219718-6.
[16] Y. Yao et al., “Increasaed global nitrous oxide emissions from streams and rivers in the
Anthropocene,” Dec. 23, 2019, Nature. doi: 10.1038/s41558-019-0665-8.
[17] “The Economic Consequences of Climate Change,” 2015, doi: 10.1787/9789264235410-en.
[18] M. A. Chowdhury, H. Sabrina, R. U. Zzaman, and S. L. U. Islam, “Green building aspects in
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10.1007/S10668-021-01823-0.
[19] B. Biswas, S. K. Roy, M. N. Ullah, and S. K. Mukharjee, “Public Perceptions About the Impact of
Climate Change on Human Health: A Study of Bangladesh,” Aquademia, vol. 5, no. 2, p. 21012,
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[20] M. Assraf Seddiky, E. Ara, and A. Karim, “Climate change-induced hazard risks and migration in
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[21] “GREEN BUILDINGS MARKET INTELLIGENCE BANGLADESH COUNTRY PROFILE”.
[22] M. A. Chowdhury, M. K. Hasan, and S. L. U. Islam, “Climate change adaptation in Bangladesh:
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2022, doi: 10.1016/J.JOCLIM.2021.100108.
[23] F. Elahi, “A Study on the Effects of Global Warming in Bangladesh,” Int. J. Environ. Monit. Anal.,
vol. 3, no. 3, p. 118, 2015, doi: 10.11648/J.IJEMA.20150303.12.
[24] Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “Climate Change 2021 – The Physical
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[25] M. M. Barsan, “The Impact of Climate Change Caused by Greenhouse Effect Gases,” Bull.
Transilv. Univ. Braşov. Ser. VII Soc. Sci. • Law, pp. 337–342, Jan. 2024, doi:
10.31926/BUT.SSL.2024.17.66.2.14.
Signature of the Student Date:
Signature of the Supervisor
Date:
Signature of the Head of the Dept.
Date:
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