Nature-based solutions (NbS) regulate the microclimate and influence building energy consumption. Trees, in particular, reduce cooling demand through both shading and ambient air-cooling effects. However, conventional Building Energy Modeling (BEM) tools—typically reliant on Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data—fail to capture the spatial variability of these cooling effects at the building scale. This study presents an integrated BEM approach that incorporates building face-specific, near-surface microclimate data from ENVI-met. A case study in Tel Aviv evaluates two urban block typologies—courtyard (CY) and high-rise (HR)—under tree-covered and tree-free conditions for representative summer days. Results show that conventional BEM underestimates tree-induced cooling loads by up to 8%, particularly in compact urban settings. The integrated approach captures both urban heat amplification in tree-free environments and the spatial tree-induced cooling effects, providing improved accuracy in energy performance predictions. This zone-level evaluation framework supports informed decisions about tree placement and building design in relation to vegetation and can be extended to assess other NbS, such as green roofs and facades. Future work will address computational limitations and enable annual performance assessments.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Simulating Tree Cooling Effects on Building Energy Performance: An Integrated Microclimate-Driven Approach

  • Naga Venkata Sai Kumar Manapragada,
  • Eilam Sklar,
  • Jonathan Natanian

摘要

Nature-based solutions (NbS) regulate the microclimate and influence building energy consumption. Trees, in particular, reduce cooling demand through both shading and ambient air-cooling effects. However, conventional Building Energy Modeling (BEM) tools—typically reliant on Typical Meteorological Year (TMY) data—fail to capture the spatial variability of these cooling effects at the building scale. This study presents an integrated BEM approach that incorporates building face-specific, near-surface microclimate data from ENVI-met. A case study in Tel Aviv evaluates two urban block typologies—courtyard (CY) and high-rise (HR)—under tree-covered and tree-free conditions for representative summer days. Results show that conventional BEM underestimates tree-induced cooling loads by up to 8%, particularly in compact urban settings. The integrated approach captures both urban heat amplification in tree-free environments and the spatial tree-induced cooling effects, providing improved accuracy in energy performance predictions. This zone-level evaluation framework supports informed decisions about tree placement and building design in relation to vegetation and can be extended to assess other NbS, such as green roofs and facades. Future work will address computational limitations and enable annual performance assessments.