Multivariate thermal environment data extraction and evaluation: A neighborhood scale case in Guangzhou, China. (15th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Genyu; Zhao, Huihui; Li, Jinglei; Shi, Yurong; Feng, Xuming; Zhang, Yufeng
• Is Part Of: Building and environment. Volume 234(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-15
• Subjects: Urban thermal environment -- Local climate zone -- Urban heat island effect -- Outdoor thermal comfort -- Building energy demand; Buildings -- Environmental engineering -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Constructions -- Technique de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 696
• DOI: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2023.110190
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-1323

Abstract

Abstract: The urban thermal environment is a complex phenomenon, and its effects can be manifested in various aspects, such as the urban heat island intensity (UHII), outdoor thermal comfort, and building energy demand. In this study, the effects of different early planning strategies on these three aspects were evaluated at the neighborhood scale. The central city of Guangzhou, China, was used as an example, typical neighborhoods were delineated using the local climate zone system, and the Urban Weather Generator (UWG) model was used to simulate the thermal environment. A combination of remote sensing, visual interpretation, field studies, and social perception were used to obtain the environmental indicators and input parameters. The results showed that the building height, building density, and wall-to-plan area ratio are the most influential factors on the UHII, the universal thermal climate index (UTCI), and the cooling energy demand (CED) with the PAWN index above 0.2. The change in spatial and temporal variability at the neighborhood scale can have different levels of impact on UHII, UTCI, and CED. Therefore, targeted planning strategies that consider multiple factors that influence the thermal environment must be used to achieve the best results in different urban areas. Highlights: The methodology enables quick and simple thermal environment assessments. Thermal environmental phenomena were assessed by the Urban Weather Generator model. Sensitivity analysis evaluates thermal environment impacts of planning strategies. Building height, density, and wall-to-plan ratio greatly impact thermal environment. Targeted thermal mitigation strategies are needed for different neighborhoods.