GREENPATH: Transforming Main Avenue EDSA Carousel Station Using Portulaca Grandiflora for Environmental and Commuter Benefits with Modular Extensive Green Roofs

The rapid urbanization of Metro Manila has heightened environmental challenges and compromised public health, especially in high-density transit corridors like Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA). The GREENPATH initiative addresses these issues by integrating modular green roofs, nature-based solutions, and AI-enabled systems into the city's public transportation infrastructure. Focusing on the Main Avenue BRT station in Cubao, the initiative uses Portulaca grandiflora, a drought-tolerant, pollutant-absorbing plant, to reduce heat stress and improve air quality. This climate-resilient system aligns with national frameworks such as the Philippine Green Building Code and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while also promoting multimodal transport and zero-waste strategies. Empirical data from the pilot site demonstrates that green roofs can reduce surface temperatures by up to 20°C and absorb substantial amounts of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Commuter surveys reveal high satisfaction rates, indicating that the green infrastructure significantly enhances both thermal comfort and visual aesthetics. The GREENPATH model supports the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) systems for efficient plant management and proposes an innovative micro-contribution scheme to fund maintenance. This initiative offers a scalable, actionable model for enhancing urban mobility systems, improving environmental quality, and promoting public health in Metro Manila.