Methodology to assess the impact of urban vegetation on the energy consumption of residential buildings. Case study in a Mediterranean city

Abstract

The global growth of urban areas is unstoppable, and this growth is accompanied by an intensification of urban heat island effects, exacerbating the challenges of climate change and sustainable urban development in warm climates. In this context, understanding the intricate dynamics of these phenomena and their implications on the thermal behaviour of buildings becomes paramount. This study focuses on València, a Spanish city characterized by a Mediterranean climate, where the interplay between ground temperature variations, vegetation levels, and the thermal demands of buildings is investigated.

Land surface temperature measurements derived from satellite data, specifically from the Landsat-8 mission, provide a valuable lens through which to assess the heat island effect. These measurements are harmonized with data collected from local weather stations to establish a robust foundation for evaluating the thermal dynamics of the urban environment. European standards, coupled with Geographic Information System technologies, enable the simulation of temperature variations, and facilitate a nuanced analysis of their impact on the thermal demands of a building.

Moreover, recognizing the crucial role played by the urban climate in the influencing of heating and cooling needs, this study explores nature-based solutions implemented in València. By leveraging satellite-derived temperature and vegetation data over an extended period, it is possible to identify actions and elements that contribute positively to mitigating UHI effects and improving the overall climatic conditions. Results indicate that vegetation has a notable impact on local temperature, with distinct patterns observed in different seasons. The research incorporated the simulation of climate scenarios, introducing varying levels of vegetation. Results demonstrated a substantial reduction in cooling demand, particularly during the summer months. Buildings with a lower exterior surface-to-volume ratio exhibited a more pronounced reduction in energy consumption.