Retrofitting solutions for a campus building to mitigate urban heat island in a hot humid climate

Abstract

In this study we examine the summer cooling effects of trees and green facades on reducing urban heat island effects. Using ENVI-met model simulations, we investigate the influence of added greenery on the surface and ambient air temperature and its role on air fluctuations in the hot humid climate of Austin, TX, at pedestrian height. Under the specific conditions considered in this model, the results show the combination of trees and green facades has a greater cooling effect. Added greenery to the building mostly impacts the building's surface temperature during the hottest hours of the day, registering a maximum surface temperature reduction of 20.33°C. Simulations also show a maximum overall potential air temperature reduction of 0.54°C, and a maximum potential air temperature cooling effect near the building of 0.91°C. Future research should be conducted to address this study's limitations. Nevertheless, these findings can provide architects, designers, planners, and policymakers with a better understanding of the many benefits trees and green facades have, and provide them with the necessary tools to implement new solutions across sectors and scales to reduce the impacts urban areas have on the environment and provide a better living for all.