A Study of Effect the Ability of Vine Flower Plants to Absorb Solar Heat Radiation for Local Heat Reduction in Banda Aceh

Abstract

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have dramatically transformed urban landscapes, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability and human well-being. The reduction of green open spaces to accommodate infrastructure development has contributed to rising urban temperatures, exacerbating the urban heat island effect. To address the lack of green spaces, incorporating ornamental plants in residential and office environments has emerged as a viable solution. This study investigates the potential heat absorption capabilities of ornamental plants to mitigate solar radiation effects, particularly in vertical housing contexts with limited green space. The research focused on the heat absorption capacity of 13 commonly cultivated ornamental plants, tested over three consecutive days. Results indicate that variations in plant water content significantly influence solar heat absorption capability. Based on thermal performance, plants were categorized into three groups: high absorption capacity (e.g., Piper Ornatum, with temperatures exceeding 50°C), medium absorption capacity (e.g., Epipremnum Aureum, with temperatures ranging from 45°C to 50°C), and low absorption capacity (e.g., Philodendron, with temperatures below 45°C). These findings emphasize the importance of selecting plant species with high heat absorption capacity to enhance thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption in urban environments.