Nature-based Solutions to Urban Microclimate Regulation

doi:10.1017/9781108553827.008

7 - Nature-based Solutions to Urban Microclimate Regulation

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 13 March 2020

Johanna Deak Sjöman and

Erik Johansson

Edited by

Neil Sang

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Neil Sang: Affiliation:
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

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Summary

Understanding the microclimate in a given site influences the preconditions of sustainable development in many ways. Cold and strong winds in the winter will, for example, intensify the energy use in buildings depending on the air tightness of the building enclosure (Bagge et al., 2011), and in areas close to the seafront strong salty winds may also increase the wear and tear on building materials. High wind speed during winter also affects outdoor recreation, and the likelihood of people walking or cycling to local commerce and social activities subsides if the area is subject to highly uncomfortable wind speed (Glaumann & Nord, 1993). Thermal comfort during winter time is thus integrated in how people will access and use facilities in their local communities. Wind turbulence and funnel effects between buildings and along streets also occurg to a greater extent in cities compared to rural settlements, although wind speed in general is stronger in the countryside (Oke, 1987), illustrating the importance of scale in modelling the urban environment. In Sweden, especially during winter time, strong winds help lower the air temperature by several degrees and thus contribute to uncomfortable physical conditions (Glaumann & Westerberg, 1988).

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Type: Chapter
Information: Modelling Nature-based Solutions
Integrating Computational and Participatory Scenario Modelling for Environmental Management and Planning
, pp. 247 - 275

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108553827.008 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2020

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