SUSTAINABLE ROOFTOP GARDEN FOR MITIGATING URBAN HEAT ISLAND (UHI) IN KLANG VALLEY

Abstract

The rapid urbanisation in the Klang Valley, Malaysia, has exacerbated the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, leading to elevated temperatures, poor air quality, and reduced livability. Rooftop gardens have emerged as a sustainable solution, utilising unused vertical spaces to reintroduce greenery into dense urban areas. This research investigates the effectiveness of rooftop gardens in mitigating UHI through environmental field monitoring and expert interviews. The case study is conducted on one rooftop at a Shopping Centre in the Klang Valley, comparing microclimatic conditions between densely and less-vegetated rooftop areas. The findings indicated significant reductions in air temperature and more stable relative humidity in vegetated areas. Interviews with industry professionals further revealed key environmental and design considerations, implementation challenges, and potential solutions to support wider adoption. This study concludes that rooftop gardens are an effective and multifunctional tool for sustainable urban development in tropical regions such as the Klang Valley.