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Investigating the Effect of Blue–Green Infrastructure on Thermal Condition—Case Study: Elazığ, Turkey

Author

Listed:
  • Sevgi Yilmaz

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey)

  • Yaşar Menteş

    (Department of Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Architecture and Design, Atatürk University, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey
    Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Elazığ Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry, 23119 Elazığ, Turkey)

  • Elmira Jamei

    (College of Sport, Health and Engineering (CoSHE), Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia
    Institute for Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC 3011, Australia)

Abstract

This study examines the thermal impacts of green and blue infrastructure in Hilalkent Neighborhood, Elazığ City, in Turkey, using ENVI-met 5.6.1 software. Six design scenarios were proposed and their impact on air temperature, relative humidity, mean radiant temperature (Tmrt), physiological equivalent temperature (PET), and wind speed during August and January was analyzed. The simulation results were verified via field measurements using the Lutron AM-4247SD Weather Forecast Station at a height of 2.0 m above the ground. Data were collected in August 2023 and January 2024. The findings of this study indicate that existing vegetation in the study area provides a cooling effect of 0.8 °C during August. The addition of 10% grass coverage further reduced air temperature by 0.3 °C, while a 20% increase in tree density led to a 0.6 °C temperature reduction. The inclusion of a 10% water surface resulted in a 0.4 °C decrease in air temperature, and the implementation of extensive roof gardens contributed to an additional 0.2 °C reduction during the August period. The combined implementation of blue–green infrastructure in the study area achieved a total cooling effect of 1.5 °C during August. During January, the proposed scenarios led to a reduction in average temperatures by 0.1 °C to 0.4 °C compared to the base scenario, which may not be favorable for thermal comfort in colder conditions. Relative humidity values decreased during the August and Tmrt values were directly proportional to air temperature changes in both August and January. The results of this study provide valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, demonstrating the effectiveness of blue–green infrastructure in mitigating the urban heat island (UHI) effect. These findings highlight the importance of integrating climate-responsive design strategies into urban planning to enhance thermal comfort and environmental sustainability in cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Sevgi Yilmaz & Yaşar Menteş & Elmira Jamei, 2025. "Investigating the Effect of Blue–Green Infrastructure on Thermal Condition—Case Study: Elazığ, Turkey," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-26, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:4:p:891-:d:1637075
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stergios Koutsanitis & Maria Sinou & Zoe Kanetaki & Evgenia Tousi & George Varelidis, 2025. "Thermal Performance Investigation in Historical Urban Neighborhoods Using ENVI-Met Simulation Software," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-33, January.
    2. Maryam Norouzi & Hing-Wah Chau & Elmira Jamei, 2024. "Design and Site-Related Factors Impacting the Cooling Performance of Urban Parks in Different Climate Zones: A Systematic Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-42, December.
    3. Aman Gupta & Bhaskar De & Anoop Kumar Shukla & Gloria Pignatta, 2024. "Vulnerability Assessment of a Highly Populated Megacity to Ambient Thermal Stress," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-21, April.
    4. Jaekyoung Kim & Sang Yeob Lee & Junsuk Kang, 2020. "Temperature Reduction Effects of Rooftop Garden Arrangements: A Case Study of Seoul National University," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-17, July.
    5. Atefeh Tamaskani Esfehankalateh & Jack Ngarambe & Geun Young Yun, 2021. "Influence of Tree Canopy Coverage and Leaf Area Density on Urban Heat Island Mitigation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-14, July.
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