36 research outputs found
Urban Heat Island and street trees
No full textComputer simulation was used to test the impact of removing the existing Fig trees and implementing UHI mitigation strategies to enhance the microclimate performance. The computer simulations were based on ENVI-met simulation tool V5.5 Summer23. This is the most commonly used software for assessing the microclimate in the urban environment using the principles of fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and atmospheric physics. It can simulate the flow around surfaces and objects such as buildings and plants and their interaction with the atmosphere and the existing weather conditions (Abuseif et al., 2021; Bruse & Fleer, 1998; Chen et al., 2020). ENVI-met is a scientific-based simulation tool, and previous studies have validated the model at the street level, finding a 20- 25% margin of error (Morakinyo, Kalani, et al., 2017; Morakinyo, Kong, et al., 2017). Therefore, it is considered a valid simulation tool to investigate the microclimate in the urban environment. The complete description of the algorithms and calculations the software performs can be found in Bruse (2004) and Bruse and Fleer (1998). The computational microclimate simulation included a scenario development for Brisbane Street, defining model parameters and performing the simulations. These are further explained next.Full Tex
The Thermal Effect of Various Local Park Settings: A Simulation-Based Case Study of Sunshine Coast, Australia
No full textLocal parks are widely used to mitigate urban heat islands. However, the increase of dry weather periods in subtropical climates has caused natural grass failure, leading some city councils to replace it with artificial grass. Therefore, this study investigates various local park settings to assess the performance of different ground covers (i.e., irrigated and non-irrigated natural grass, bare soil, and artificial grass) and the influence that tree proximity has on them, as well as the total thermal performance of the investigated local parks. This study finds that non-irrigated parks could harm park users’ health due to the high concentration of mean radiant temperature (MRT) around trees. Although the surface temperature of the artificial grass was higher (2.60 °C) than that of asphalt during periods of peak temperature, the parks using artificial grass performed better at reducing air temperature and enhancing thermal comfort than the ones with dry grass or bare soil, where both tree proximity and soil water content played significant roles. However, artificial grass negatively affected night cooling, resulting in a poorer daily performance. This study discusses the influence of various park settings on air temperature, MRT, thermal comfort, surface temperature, soil temperature, and water content. In addition, various recommendations and settings are offered to direct decision makers and future studies
Exploring Influencing Factors and Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Water Management on Green Roofs: A Systematic Quantitative Review
No full textGreen roofs are becoming popular in urban areas due to their potential benefits, including energy efficiency, urban heat island mitigation, and stormwater management. However, their water consumption can negatively impact water resources. Therefore, carefully managing the water consumption of green roofs is crucial to ensure they do not exacerbate existing water scarcity issues. This review explores the influencing factors and innovative solutions that increase the sustainability of water management on green roofs. A systematic quantitative review was conducted on published studies on green roofs. The review highlighted that while small-scale experimental studies are almost saturated, large-scale monitoring studies are still lacking. Modelling and assessing green roof settings based on climatic conditions and water availability and consumption are essential for successful water management. Using integrated technologies and sensing systems can increase water management efficiency and sustainability. Rainwater may be sufficient as a water source for green roofs in wet climates, while irrigation is still needed in other climates. Phytoremediation and biosorption can potentially increase runoff water quality. Improving hydrological performance by increasing rainwater retention and reducing water consumption capacity can reduce demand for other water resources and effectively manage small storms, mitigating pressure on city infrastructure and increasing water quality. Seeking non-potable sources, such as greywater, or harvesting enough rainwater to be used for irrigation during dry weather periods is highly advantageous for improving the sustainability of green roofs
Trees on buildings: Opportunities, challenges, and recommendations
No full textImplementation of trees on buildings has substantially increased as an alternative solution to increase tree canopy coverage in dense cities, due to inadequate plantable space at ground level, and to achieve a range of environmental, social, and economic benefits. However, the requirements of this type of implementation have received little attention in the literature. This paper aims to identify and prioritise the opportunities and challenges of implementing trees on buildings by engaging with experts from various disciplines who are experienced in implementing trees on buildings using qualitative and quantitative approaches. This study demonstrates that although there may be challenges to implementing trees on buildings, opportunities significantly outweigh these challenges. Shading and moderating the microclimate was the greatest opportunity, whereas the quality of design, construction, management, and maintenance was considered the biggest challenge in implementing trees on buildings. This study also highlights gaps in the existing literature, including between different disciplines engaged with the tree implementation process and provides recommendations to reduce these gaps, enhance the implementation process, and increase the application of trees on buildings. In addition, the study discusses the implications of the results of this study for research, practice and policy, and compares the study findings with relevant green roof studies.Full Tex
Trees on buildings: A design framework
No full textAlthough interest in implementing trees on buildings has increased over the last few years, there is limited literature and policies to guide design and implementation. This lack of evidence and guidelines hinders the implementation and increases the risk of failure and maintenance costs. This study seeks to address this by investigating the design requirements of trees on buildings based on the best practice experience of worldwide experts using survey and interview techniques. This study is novel in that it introduces a complete design framework for trees on buildings that can be used to enhance future designs and implementation. The design framework consists of four stages: preparation, critical analysis and studies, techniques and design elements, and construction and maintenance plans. This design framework serves to guide designers, developers, and policymakers to make better decisions regarding trees on buildings. This paper also highlights areas where existing policies and literature need to be improved to further enhance the design framework, broaden the knowledge regarding trees on buildings, and reduce the challenges to their implementation
The effect of green roof configurations including trees in a subtropical climate: A co-simulation parametric study
No full textThere is an increased interest in including green roofs in building legislation to enable green infrastructure and improve the built environments. Yet, trees on buildings in particular, have received little attention. This paper presents a parametric study on the effect of nine green roof configurations on outdoor and indoor temperatures and the associated cooling demand under three urban densities by coupling ENVI-met and EnergyPlus simulation software. This study is novel as it introduces the performance of green roof configurations that include canopy trees and compares their performance with typical green roofs that include only low canopy vegetation. Results show that 1) green roof performance has a greater impact on reducing indoor rather than outdoor temperatures; 2) green roofs with trees perform better compared with green roof configurations without trees, reducing the indoor temperature by up to 7.20 °C and air conditioning electric loads by 60%; 3) green roofs with trees excel in thermal performance compared with typical green roofs, even if the latter have a higher green coverage percentage. Therefore, the authors recommend using green roof performance for green building rating and legislation instead of using green coverage percentage. Furthermore, as green roof performance varies with urban density and building type, the authors suggest specifying the most appropriate green roof configuration for each neighbourhood in smart city models to maximise the benefits and address the city's needs.Full Tex
Urban overheating governance on the mitigation and adaptation of anthropogenic heat emissions
No full textOur planet Earth is warming at an unprecedented rate as a result of human-induced activities. A global warming rate of 1°C has been observed since the pre-industrial era, and the IPCC reports indicate that this number will reach 1.5°C by 2030 because of the current rate of emissions and anthropogenic heat. Increased urban air temperature has various ranges of direct and indirect impacts on people’s health and well-being. Therefore, urgent and immediate actions at all levels of society and government are needed to mitigate and adapt to climate change and human-induced heat. This chapter presents the concept of anthropogenic heat and discusses the key factors that contribute to its formation. It also discusses how governance strategies at different levels can lead to meaningful reductions in anthropogenic heat. Melbourne and Auckland are used as case studies to highlight best practices to show the way by which decision-making at the state and local level can lead to reduction in anthropogenic heat.No Full Tex
Trees on Buildings: A Tree Selection Framework Based on Industry Best Practice
No full textTrees on buildings have received increased interest, and installations have multiplied over recent years, yet there is limited literature and policies guiding the successful implementation of projects relating to trees on buildings. This study investigates the tree selection process for implementation on buildings, using a survey and follow-up interviews with experienced experts to reveal current worldwide industry best practice, and provides a systematic framework for selecting the most appropriate tree species. A tree selection framework is proposed that consists of four stages: identifying the purpose of the tree; analysing the site context and its conditions; evaluating the risk of implementation; and investigating the characteristics of the candidate trees. Decision-makers can use the developed framework to inform design, implementation, and policy development of trees on buildings to reduce implementation risks. In addition, this paper provides useful insights to inform future research about trees on buildings
Urban Heat Island: Measure, visualise, change (Phase 2 report)
No full textThe City of Ipswich has partnered with Griffith University and Sunshine Coast University to conduct a three-year analysis about the identification of urban heat island (UHI), the residents’ perceptions about urban heat and how changes in urban design might mitigate these effects. This Phase 2 report presents the results of the work undertaken between February 2021 and March 2022. It focuses on the climate analysis and climate experiences survey analysis in key areas of Ipswich, that are located in Ipswich centre (Bell St, Brisbane St and Limestone St) and in its outskirt (Joy Chamber Circuit in Ripley) Five major findings are highlighted.Full Tex
A look into sustainable practices for Sea World
No full textAIM: Sea World has invited Griffith University Architecture to consult on the sustainable practices of their park and specifically the Phase One of their new ride precinct, New Atlantis. The new precinct includes landscaping and three amusement rides: Vortex, Leviathan and Trident.
Sea World is a theme park based on marine mammals, featuring animal exhibits and providing rides and other attractions. Sea World Research & Rescue Foundation also contributes to marine conservation and rehabilitation.
LIMITATIONS: This proposal is based on the documents kindly provided, one site visit and interviews with staff, beside previously undertaken visits as guests. However, as a student work, this report does not accept liability for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions.
Usually, a sustainable assessment would address the social, economic and environmental aspects of one area. Yet due to the time constraint and very specific nature and function of the park, only some features of the environmental component were addressed. This is a clear limitation and a more extensive study, based on collected data, would provide a deeper insight into the assessment.
This report investigates the potential for enhancing sustainable practices at Sea World under the context of the construction of its new precinct, New Atlantis. It is divided into three main sections that are Assessment, Precedents and Proposals.
Due to the very specific nature and function of the park, six categories were selected for the assessment: reducing heat gain, diversity in energy sources, waste management, acoustic issues, crowd management and effective use of old infrastructure. It was analysed that each category is currently under-exploited, but also presents opportunities for enhancement.
The Precedents section shows that many best-practices and innovative products are already available on the market, thus facilitating a sustainability strategy. Proposals also demonstrate that small-scale and larger scale projects can provide increased sustainability, at different costs but also different timeframes.Full Tex
