Assessing the Impact of Vertical Greenery Systems on the Thermal Performance of Walls in Mediterranean Climates

Francesco Nocera (), Vincenzo Costanzo, Maurizio Detommaso and Gianpiero Evola
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Francesco Nocera: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
Vincenzo Costanzo: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
Maurizio Detommaso: Department of Electric, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy
Gianpiero Evola: Department of Electric, Electronics, and Computer Engineering, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95125 Catania, Italy

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 20, 1-15

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of vertical greenery systems (VGSs) applied to several typical wall configurations on indoor thermal conditions in a building module situated in the Mediterranean climate of Catania, Italy. By means of dynamic simulations in TRNSYS vers.18, the research compares the thermal behavior of walls made of either hollow clay blocks (Poroton) or lava stone blocks against a lightweight wall setup already in place at the University of Catania. The primary focus is on evaluating the VGSs’ capability of reducing peak inner surface temperatures and moderating heat flux fluctuations entering the building. The findings indicate that adding an outer vertical greenery layer to heavyweight walls can decrease the peak inner surface temperature by up to 1.0 °C compared to the same bare wall. However, the greenery’s positive impact is less pronounced than in the case of the lightweight wall. This research underscores the potential of green facades in enhancing the indoor thermal environment in buildings in regions with climates like the Mediterranean one, providing valuable insights for sustainable building design and urban planning.

Keywords: green façade; dynamic simulations; thermal inertia; indoor thermal comfort; TRNSYS; heavyweight wall (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: 2024
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