Retrofitting solutions for a campus building to mitigate urban heat island in a hot humid climate

In this study we examine the summer cooling effects of trees and green facades on reducing urban heat island effects. Using ENVI-met model simulations, we investigate the influence of added greenery on the surface and ambient air temperature and its role on air fluctuations in the hot humid climate of Austin, TX, at pedestrian height. Under the specific conditions considered in this model, the results show the combination of trees and green facades has a greater cooling effect. Added greenery to the building mostly impacts the building's surface temperature during the hottest hours of the day, registering a maximum surface temperature reduction of 20.33°C. Simulations also show a maximum overall potential air temperature reduction of 0.54°C, and a maximum potential air temperature cooling effect near the building of 0.91°C. Future research should be conducted to address this study's limitations. Nevertheless, these findings can provide architects, designers, planners, and policymakers with a better understanding of the many benefits trees and green facades have, and provide them with the necessary tools to implement new solutions across sectors and scales to reduce the impacts urban areas have on the environment and provide a better living for all.

The assesment of thermal comfort of sustainable modifying Rumoh Aceh in hot humid climate

The climates of countries in the tropics tend to have high temperatures and humidity, and intense solar insulation. This condition gives the impact of discomfort for humans who are in the building. Implementing a passive cooling strategy can reduce energy use. Traditional architecture is one of the buildings that has been believed to apply natural cooling as a passive cooling design strategy. Based on several previous studies on the application of passive designs to obtain thermal comfort in the room, this study was conducted to assess the thermal comfort of Modifying Rumoh Aceh, which has not been widely studied. This study uses a direct measurement method in the field using an anemometer to measure temperature and airflow velocity. An Infrared/Thermometer Gun is also used to measure the surface temperature of materials (walls, roofs, and floors). Using the Climate Consultant Software to obtain annual climate condition data, AndrewMarsh 3-D Sunpath was also used to assess the orientation of buildings. Measurements were carried out for 3 days on 15 samples of Modifying Rumoh Aceh in Gampong Jawa, Kutaraja sub-district, Banda Aceh. The results obtained indicate an increase in room temperature by 7ºC from the standard comfort temperature based on SNI. The human ability to adapt to the environment can be seen in the perception of the Gampong Jawa community in accepting changes in the thermal environment by 47% with a sense of satisfaction. However, further research is needed to obtain a value for the level of satisfaction of the thermal environment in the tropics area.

Effectiveness of a Cool Bed Linen for Thermal Comfort and Sleep Quality in Air-Conditioned Bedroom under Hot-Humid Climate

Comfort temperature and sleep quality involving 20 participants were determined in two cases: Case A (arbitrary, controlled air-conditioner setting) and Case B (adjustment of 3 °C higher than the setting of Case A with cool bed linen). Data of indoor thermal comfort and electricity consumption were collected every night throughout the measurement period. Questionnaires on thermal comfort and sleep quality were distributed twice a night for a duration of three nights for each case; the first night was for respondents’ adaptation and the following two nights were for measurement. The sleep quality of the respondents was objectively measured using a commercially available activity tracker. Results found that most respondents were thermally comfortable in both cases, with 39% lower energy consumption reported for Case B compared to Case A. The thermal conditions of Case B were found to be more tolerable than those of Case A. Most respondents reported to have a calm and satisfied sleep for both cases. Comfort temperature and Sleep Efficiency Index (SEI) were found to be maintained in both cases.

Sustainability Features of Jeddah Traditional Housing

Sustainability is clearly represented in Jeddah old city where traditional builders have developed unique practices that promote environmental, social and economic qualities. The urban form and buildings proved efficiency towards the conservative society, the pattern of life and the prevailing hot-humid climate. The open space system, characterized by narrow walkways and wider intersections, provided shaded and ventilated places for walking and communicating. Houses were configured according to social traditions that imply the separation between private and public life. Walls were constructed of locally coral stone blocks known by its thermal insulation ability, then finished with white color which acts on reflecting sunlight and reduces the heat absorption. Large wooden latticed windows admit daylight but control heating and ventilation, while providing privacy for the family. Moreover, rainwater was collected and stored in basement reservoirs. However, attempts to record these manifestations of sustainability have always been subjective. Therefore, based on long experience of academic work in relation to historic Jeddah, the present chapter intends to reintroduce previous knowledge but supported by evidence whenever possible hoping that it can help formulating guidelines for effective and sustainable alternatives. This is of great benefit to current professionals.

Mid-afternoon Outdoor Biometeorological Conditions in a Hot-humid Climate of Minna in Nigeria, West Africa during the Year 2012

The human biometeorological conditions at mid-afternoon during 12 months of 2012 in the city of Minna North-Central Nigeria have been evaluated based on energy budget indices (UTCI and PET) using climate parameters -air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and solar radiation) observed at 15:00LST as input into the Rayman model. Air temperature demonstrated strongest significant correlation coefficient (r) with UTCI and PET (r= 0.91, r= 0.93) (P<0.0001) while windspeed show weakest association with them(r=-0.10, r=-0.20) (P<0.03, P<0.001) respectively. March and August were characterized by peak and slightest monthly thermal stress conditions according to both indices. The correlation coefficient between both indices was significantly (P<0.0001) very strong (r=0.98) and more noticeable for equivalent temperatures in strong stress thresholds (UTCI>=32°C, PET>=35°C), which shows that both indices can be used indifferently in warm climates. However, during May to October, UTCI better expressed warm conditions than PET mainly due to the difference in the definition of reference environment for both indices; this study is relevant to the urban sightseeing industry as tourists would most likely opt for a period of lesser thermal discomfort.