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Impacts of Vegetation Ratio, Street Orientation, and Aspect Ratio on Thermal Comfort and Building Carbon Emissions in Cold Zones: A Case Study of Tianjin

Author

Listed:
  • Lin Wang

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

  • Tian Chen

    (School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China)

  • Yang Yu

    (School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China)

  • Liuying Wang

    (School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China)

  • Huiyi Zang

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
    College of Cities and Planning, Yancheng Teachers’ University, Yancheng 224001, China)

  • Yun Cang

    (College of Architectural Engineering, Yancheng Polytechnic College, Yancheng 224005, China)

  • Ya’ou Zhang

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China
    College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China)

  • Xiaowen Ma

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

Abstract

This research highlights that street layouts, including the vegetation ratio, street orientation, and aspect ratio, are key in diminishing urban heat islands (UHIs), building energy use, and carbon emissions. The optimal street layout for minimal building energy consumption, carbon emissions, and maximal outdoor thermal comfort in Tianjin was established via field measurements, ENVI-met 5.6.1, Energy Plus simulations, and correlation analysis. The findings indicate the following: (1) The carbon emissions of winter residential heating energy consumption are 2.9–3.2 times higher than those for summer cooling. Urban design should thus prioritize winter energy efficiency and summer thermal comfort outdoors. (2) The summer street PET (physiological equivalent temperature) inversely correlates with the vegetation ratio and aspect ratio. Winter heating energy use inversely correlates with the street orientation and directly correlates with the aspect ratio. Adequate vegetation and proper orientation can decrease energy and carbon output while enhancing summer outdoor comfort. (3) Streets with an NW–SE orientation, H/W = 0.9, and 50% trees in summer yield the best thermal comfort, while those with an NE–SW orientation, H/W = 0.3, and 50% vegetative trees in winter produce the lowest carbon emissions. These insights are instrumental in refining urban streets and building designs in cold zones.

Suggested Citation

  • Lin Wang & Tian Chen & Yang Yu & Liuying Wang & Huiyi Zang & Yun Cang & Ya’ou Zhang & Xiaowen Ma, 2024. "Impacts of Vegetation Ratio, Street Orientation, and Aspect Ratio on Thermal Comfort and Building Carbon Emissions in Cold Zones: A Case Study of Tianjin," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-22, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:8:p:1275-:d:1455044
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Li, Xiaoma & Zhou, Yuyu & Yu, Sha & Jia, Gensuo & Li, Huidong & Li, Wenliang, 2019. "Urban heat island impacts on building energy consumption: A review of approaches and findings," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 407-419.
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    1. Hui Xi & Yating Li & Wanjun Hou, 2025. "Impact of Environmental Factors on Summer Thermal Comfort of Ribbon Waterfront Park in Hot Summer and Cold Winter Regions: A Case Study of Hefei," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-42, March.

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