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Abstract
This research draws on three previous studies that have quantified the costs and benefits associated with conventional roofs versus green roofs. Using those studies as alternative paramerterizations, we estimate from a private and public perspective the costs and benefits associated with installing and maintaining an extensive green roof in the city of Atlanta. In addition, this study also quantifies the health care costs borne from coal-fired power plants. Geographic Information System (GIS) is used to spatially identify the privately and socially optimal roof type for each building. The research also explores the effect of a positive externality (ambient air cooling from green roof adoption) on the optimal roof type.