The role of financial viability in sustainability and the increase of green roofs as elements of green infrastructure

Purpose: As sustainability is quickly becoming a predominant concept at theheart of the 21stcentury living and thinking, as well as planningfor the near future, it has become obvious that financial viability is one ofits core determinants. The aim of this paper has been to study the prospects ofgreater implementation of green infrastructure (GI) and especially green roofs (GR)in Croatia. Methodology: Theoretical framework is based on the relevant literature review, whichhas been conducted using qualitative methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison, induction anddeduction . The empirical part of the study has beenconducted as a survey amongst the civil engineering students, usingquestionnaire as the survey instrument. Results: The theoretical part of the research identified the relevance of costsin GI implementation and its social and economic effects, circularity principlesand EU funding options. Empirical findings indicate that the majority ofMillennials from the sample find the implementation of GI to be financiallydemanding. Moreover, they are largely unaware of the availability of EU fundingfor such purpose and find the frugality aspect of green roof implementationvery important. Conclusion: It is acknowledged that financial viability isinevitable when considering the implementation of GI. The level of environmentalawareness among Croatian Millennials is satisfactory. However, considering theywere not sufficiently aware of the EU funding availablefor this purpose, there is a need toraise awareness among this population segment, as they are futuredecision-makers .