Energy conservation is or should be a concern for everyone, for a multitude of reasons. We spend a lot of money on energy, whether it’s gasoline, electricity, natural gas, batteries, firewood, etc. All of these forms of energy cost money. …
What is the carbon saving from the cooling effects of urban forests?
Trees and urban forests cool the environment by direct shade, which lowers surface and air temperature, and by evapotranspiration. The lowering of temperatures reduces energy consumption, and thus the amount of carbon emissions at the power plant. In this …
How do I know/determine if energy consumption is being reduced by planting trees in my municipality?
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 …
What is evapotranspiration?
Evapotranspiration is a combination of evaporation and transpiration. Evaporation is a physical process that transforms liquid water into vapor by absorbing heat. Transpiration is the biological process of plants releasing water vapor through leaves. This water was previously pulled up …
I want to select the best spot for my tree. How can I find out where the sun will be in the summer and winter?
The position of the sun is expressed in altitude (or elevation) and azimuth, both of which will vary by location, time of day, and time of year. Altitude refers to the height of the sun over the horizon (higher in …
What are some effects of urban vegetation on urban climate and hot cities?
The presence and/or lack of vegetation can affect solar radiation, air movement, and air temperature. Vegetation may be used to intercept solar radiation directly by providing shade and also indirectly by covering surfaces that reflect or re-radiate solar radiation. Vegetation …
How does vegetation guide wind to maximize cooling in the summer months?
Strategically positioning vegetation in the landscape can maximize cooling in summer months and help protect from cold winds in the winter. Wind may be accelerated &/or, to some extent, directed by the use of strategically placed trees and other vegetation …
Urban Trees & Energy Conservation
Trees provide the greatest energy conservation benefit when they are found in every part of urban landscapes, yards, businesses, parking lots, along streets, and in parks and green spaces. Trees create shade and, when properly placed in urban settings, the …
Urban Forests Role in Heat Reduction
One way trees lower urban temperatures is by shading heat-absorbing surfaces. Credit: Priya Jaishanker
Cities contain numerous hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt, metal, and brick) that absorb large quantities of solar radiation (heat) throughout the day, slowly releasing this heat overnight. …
Trees for Comfort in Public Places
Credit: Priya Jaishanker
Cities can be extremely hot during long summer days. Air conditioning is often needed indoors and in cars to offset high temperatures. This heat can discourage people from spending time outdoors and enjoying the city. Urban forests …