Journal
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
Volume 137, Issue -, Pages 157-170Publisher
PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.04.012
Keywords
Temperature regulation; Energy saving; Thermal comfort; Tree species; ENVI-met
Funding
- General Research Fund from the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong [14629516, 14611015]
- Vice-Chancellor's Discretionary Fund of the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Ask authors/readers for more resources
Using a validated ENVI-met model, a parametric study was conducted to investigate the thermal and energy saving benefits in a selected neighbourhood with its current greenery coverage ratio (GCR) of 7.2%, compared to the recommended 30%. To provide information for efficient tree species selection, nine scenarios were tested for the case of 30% GCR. In eight of them, only one tree species was used in each case. The trees represent the eight most common species in Hong Kong. The remaining one featured a mix of tree species. In comparison with the reference case (no trees), results revealed a reduction in maximum temperature of 0.4 degrees C and 0.5-1.0 degrees C under the current and 30% GCR situations respectively; and a decrease in average Physiological Equivalent Temperature of 1.6 degrees C and 3.3-5.0 degrees C. The area coverage of Very Hot thermal sensation reduced from similar to 60% in the reference case to similar to 50% with the current GCR and 17-21% with 30% GCR. Lastly, a decrease in cooling energy of 1500 kWh per typical summer day was observed with the current GCR, which increased to similar to 1900-3000 kWh with 30% GCR, equivalent to 200-450 US$ savings within the 500 x 500 m(2) domain. The variations in the estimated benefits between the 30% GCR scenarios reflect the importance of species-specific analysis. Statistical analysis revealed leaf area index was the main driver of the observed benefits, followed by trunk height, tree height and crown diameter. Our findings will encourage city planners and citizens to take actions for urban greening.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available