Evaluating Greenery’s Contribution to Urban Thermal Comfort in Hot Arid Climates: A Systematic Review
Urbanization and climate change have intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect, increasing the demand for sustainable cooling solutions. Greenery, particularly in urban settings, has gained attention as a passive design strategy to enhance urban thermal comfort. This study systematically reviews peer-reviewed literature published in the last decade to assess the effectiveness of greenery in mitigating urban heat. Using a precise selection process, studies indexed in Web of Science (WOS), ScienceDirect, and Scopus were analyzed to identify key findings, methodologies, and gaps in existing research. The results highlight the impact of green facades, green walls, and urban greenery on surface and air temperature reduction, energy efficiency, and microclimate regulation. Furthermore, the study examines variations in performance based on climate zones, vegetation types, and urban configurations. Findings suggest that while greenery significantly improves urban thermal comfort, further research is needed to standardize assessment methods and optimize implementation strategies. This review contributes to the growing body of knowledge on nature-based solutions and provides insights for policymakers, urban designers, and researchers aiming to integrate greenery into sustainable urban planning.
Saudi Arabia’s ambition to improve quality of life is paving its way, and this study aligns with that vision, adopting an experimental approach to explore urban solutions to enhance outdoor…
Urbanization and climate change have intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect, increasing the demand for sustainable cooling solutions. Greenery, particularly in urban settings, has gained…
Saudi Arabia has a large part of the country’s power consumption in the building area, mainly operated by cooling demands under extreme climatic conditions, where the summer temperature is more…