https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3799-6038
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ABSTRACT
Green façades are effective passive systems for buildings, but the research about their winter effects is still few. This study investigated the influence of a green façade during winter nights in a Mediterranean area. The effects on microclimate and heat transfer were evaluated based on experimental data. These data were used to calculate radiative and convective heat transfer by formulae available in literature. The behaviours of the covered wall and a bare wall were compared. Vegetation allowed to keep the air velocity near the wall below 0.9 m s−1. The covered wall external surface and the nearby air recorded a warming of up to 3.4°C and 3.3°C, respectively. The walls lost radiative and convective energy, but for the covered wall these losses were 60% and 38% lower, respectively. Acting as a thermal and wind barrier, the green façade reduced overall heat losses by 57% improving building envelope performance.
Acknowledgments
The contribution to programming and conducting this research was equally shared between the Authors.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.
Notation list
| AG | = | air gap |
| AV | = | air velocity [m s−1] |
| Avg. Max. | = | average daily maximum |
| Avg. Min. | = | average daily minimum |
| BW | = | bare wall |
| CV | = | convective flow [W m−2] |
| CW | = | covered wall |
| D | = | downward |
| GF | = | green façade |
| GL | = | green layer |
| h | = | convective coefficient [W m−2 K−1] |
| LW | = | living wall |
| LWIR | = | long-wave infrared |
| Max. | = | maximum |
| Min. | = | minimum |
| R | = | LWIR radiative flow [W m−2] |
| RH | = | relative humidity [%] |
| SR | = | cumulative solar radiation [MJ m−2] |
| S.E. | = | standard error |
| U | = | upward |
| UGI | = | urban heat island |
| T | = | temperature [°C] |
| VGS | = | vertical greenery system |
| WV | = | wind velocity [m s−1] |
| εw | = | wall surface LWIR emissivity |
| ΔRH | = | difference between air relative humidity |
| = | near covered and bare wall [°C] | |
| ΔTa | = | external surface temperature difference |
| = | between covered and bare wall [°C] | |
| ΔTes | = | temperature difference between air near |
| = | covered and bare wall [°C] | |
| Subscripts | = | |
| a,BW | = | air near the bare wall |
| AG | = | air gap |
| BW | = | bare wall |
| CW | = | covered wall |
| EA | = | external air |
| es,BW | = | external surface of the bare wall |
| es,CW | = | external surface of the covered wall |
| GL | = | green layer |
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Fabiana Convertino
Fabiana Convertino, degree in Building-Architectural Engineering, PhD in Agroforestry Engineering, is Researcher at the University of Bari, Italy. Her scientific research topics include: urban green infrastructures, innovative energy systems for greenhouse air conditioning and climate control, application of GIS technology for territorial analyses and use and management of agricultural plastics. She has participated in several National and European Projects. She is the author of about 20 papers, published in international and national refereed scientific journals and proceedings.
Ileana Blanco
Ileana Blanco, Construction Engineer, is currently Associate professor at the University of Salento, Lecce, Italy, in Biosystems Engineering. She obtained her PhD degree in Agro-Forestry Biosystems Management and Engineering from University of Bari, Italy. She teaches in a bachelor's degree course, and she is member of the academic staff of a PhD course at the University of Salento. She is expert in greenhouse climate control systems powered by renewable energy, application of GIS technology for land study and management, green walls and green infrastructures. She is author of 48 papers published on refereed journals and on congress proceedings.
Giuliano Vox
Giuliano Vox, Electronic Engineer, is Associate Professor at the University of Bari, Italy, in Biosystems Engineering. He started his research activity as CNR (Italian National Research Council) fellowship researcher. He holds lectures in bachelor's and master's degrees and is member of the academic staff of PhD courses at the University of Bari. He has carried out research on biodegradable materials, radiometric properties of greenhouse constructive materials, greenhouse energy balance simulation models, solar cooling systems, application of GIS technology for land study and management, urban green infrastructures. Scientific responsible of the research unit of the University of Bari for several European and Italian research projects. He is author of 177 papers published on refereed journals and on congress proceedings.
Evelia Schettini
Evelia Schettini, Civil Engineer, is Associate Professor at the University of Bari (Italy) in Biosystems Engineering. PhD in Structural Engineering at University of Genova (Italy). She was awarded a Marie Curie Research Training Grant SMT (Standards Measurements and Testing) for 24 months (1999-2001) at Agricultural University of Athens (Greece). She teaches in bachelor's and master's degrees, and she is member of the academic staff of PhD courses at the University of Bari. Her scientific work concerns: agricultural buildings and their relationships with the environment and the rural territory; the greenhouse covering materials, the control of the environmental parameters of the internal environment; innovative biodegradable materials; passive systems for energy saving in buildings, such as green walls; impact of microplastics in soil. She participates in leading roles in several national and international funded projects. She is author of 150 papers published on refereed journals and on congress proceedings.