Return to Fast Fact Library

The combination of green roofs and green walls can lower ambient temperatures in typical "urban canyon"-like streets, achieving up to a 12.8˚C (23˚F) ambient temperature difference in an arid climate, and 8.4˚C (15.1˚F) in a humid climate. This combination had the greatest effect compared to no vegetation, green roofs only, and green walls (walls covered in vegetation, such as climbing vines) only. Green roofs alone had the second greatest ambient temperature effect, likely due to roofs' higher exposure to sunlight.

Alexandri, Eleftheria, and Phil Jones. (2008) Temperature decreases in an urban canyon due to green walls and green roofs in diverse climates. Building and Environment 43(4), 480-493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2006.10.055

Topics

Temperature & urban heat island, Green wall, Green roof

The LPS Fast Fact Library is a collection of short summaries of landscape benefits derived from published research. The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) compiles and writes the Fast Facts. LAF has no involvement in the data collection, analysis, review, publication, or funding of the research. If you have questions or comments on the Fast Fact Library itself, contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Help build the LPS: Find out how to submit a case study and other ways to contribute.