Green Walls, a Critical Review: Knowledge Gaps, Design Parameters, Thermal Performances and Multi-Criteria Design Approaches

Fabrizio Ascione, Rosa Francesca De Masi, Margherita Mastellone, Silvia Ruggiero and Giuseppe Peter Vanoli
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Fabrizio Ascione: Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Rosa Francesca De Masi: Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Piazza Roma, 21, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Margherita Mastellone: Department of Industrial Engineering, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Piazzale Tecchio, 80, 80125 Napoli, Italy
Silvia Ruggiero: Department of Engineering, Università degli Studi del Sannio, Piazza Roma, 21, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Giuseppe Peter Vanoli: Department of Medicine and Health Sciences “Vincenzo Tiberio”, Università degli Studi del Molise, Via Francesco De Sanctis, 86100 Campobasso, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 9, 1-39

Abstract: The green wall is an engineered technology for stormwater management and climate change mitigation at the urban level. At the building scale, these energy efficiency measures are suitable for improving indoor comfort conditions and for reducing energy needs. Several guidelines are available about vertical greening systems, but these propose design parameters and performance evaluation criteria, often incomparable. In order to facilitate the implementation of proper technical standards, this paper proposes a critical review of more recent scientific investigations. All parameters for the design optimization are discussed as well as the achievable social and private benefits by taking into consideration the type of study (numerical or experimental), the climate conditions, the analysis period, all technical requirements of the green layer as well as of the back wall. The review underlines that a multi-criteria design approach is needed for green vertical systems. Thus, the paper is concluded with a SWOT analysis, evidencing “strengths”, “weaknesses”, “opportunities” and “threats”. The analysis shows that the highlighted benefits will acquire greater relevance considering the increase in global temperatures and the growing need to redevelop densely built urban centers, while some negative aspects may be filled in the future with a deeper preparation of designers and careful choice of materials. The review paper shows, therefore, drivers and barriers occurring designing and implementing green walls.

Keywords: green walls; thermal behavior; urban quality; building performance; sustainability; building simulation; energy retrofit (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (9)

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