Energy consumption is reduced by tree shade and evapotranspiration, lowering temperatures of the air and surfaces. Additionally, trees slow down winds by reducing heat loss from buildings.
You can determine if energy consumption in your municipality has been reduced by using a benefit calculation tool such as i-Tree’s STREETS tree assessment tool. This program allows an analysis of a sample or existing inventory. I-Tree’s DESIGN application can be used to estimate the annual energy reduction by planting an individual tree based on the tree’s location, species size, and condition.