Assessing the Cooling Effects of Different Vegetation Settings in a Hong Kong Golf Course

Abstract

This microclimatic study at a golf course in sub-tropical Hong Kong targets the investigation of differential cooling abilities of a rough grass area and a woodland strip as compared to a bare-concrete rooftop control site. Preliminary results indicate that the woodland strip has a stronger cooling effect and creates more thermally comfortable environments than the other two plots. The research is projected to inform and encourage appropriate use of vegetation in tropical cities to combat rising temperatures due to the urban heat island effect and climate change.