Urban parks, energy budgets, and surface temperatures

Abstract

This paper deals with the results of the combination of two deterministic models: a multi-layered canopy leaf energy budget model CANOPY and a complex street canyon energy budget model URBAN 3. Both models were validated previously. In comparing the effect of street parks and roof gardens in contrast to non-vegetated city blocks. four typical urban morphologies were created, ranging from high-rise structures to low buildings and combinations thereof. These building systems were exposed to typical summer and winter scenarios for three latitudes. The simulations indicated a variety of increases in absorbed shortwave radiation and net radiation, and decreases in sensible heat flux and system reradiation compared to non-vegetated environments. It is believed that the discussed features represent generalized limits of the possible effect of adding vegetatived surface covers to non-vegetated city blocks.