Green roofs can play an important role in reducing problems in urban areas by being flexible, multifunctional and adaptable. These features of nature have proven effective in combating climate change and contribute to human well-being. Previous research has shown that green roofs can sometimes be cost-effective, but the benefits included in cost-benefit analyses are fragmented and an absence of a learning curve in the literature regarding green roofs is discernible. This research focuses on how to determine the economic value of the benefits of green roofs and what methodologies are used to do so. There is also a need to bridge the gap between research on costs and benefits and research on external costs of production materials. This research contributes to bridging this gap by creating a full life-cycle cost-benefit analysis of a green roof by mapping and analysing current methodologies. This research contributes to sustainable development and in it serves as a starting point to determine the utilisation of green roofs with the pursuit of sustainable urban development.