Figure 51: deciduous tree allow sun penetration in winter and block sun access during summer

FIGURE 51: DECIDUOUS TREE ALLOW SUN PENETRATION IN WINTER AND BLOCK SUN ACCESS DURING SUMMER

Evaluate the possibility of creating “structural shading” using recycled and otherwise discarded components. Installing structural shading with a minimum Solar Reflectance Index of 29 (usually materials with light, reflective surfaces) absorbs less heat, and mitigates the probability of heat islands.

Green roofs often require regular maintenance and involve high first costs; thus, these have to be designed and installed carefully. The growing medium and other components add load to the roof and this extra weight has to be considered while designing the roof structure. On existing buildings, it is more feasible to either use modular blocks or extensive roof systems as these are lighter. Engineered soil that is lightweight, and has better water retention capacity and low organic content is more suitable for green roofs. Waterproofing must be installed carefully in green roofs. It is extremely difficult and expensive to repair waterproofing layers once the layers of a green roof are laid. Moreover, the waterproofing in green roofs must be elastic to withstand building movement and non-biodegradable. Plant native trees and shrubs as they are usually low maintenance.

Deciduous vegetation can be considered as flexible shading devices. During winter, the vegetation will shed leaves to allow penetration of sunlight to the same occupied space which it would shade in summer.

One of the gardening world's hottest trends, "vertical gardens" allows plants to grow on walls and other nonhorizontal surfaces. Vertical gardening is basically about growing your plants upwards on vertical surfaces, be it on the wall of a home or a large facade of a building. As space is a constraint for many urban areas these days, having a vertical garden is certainly an option to still include some greenery in the house/building. Vertical gardening is more than just aesthetics; it can help to cool and insulate buildings, reducing the need and cost for air-conditioning. Growing plants in the building can also help to filter air particulates and improve air quality as well as add some humidity to centrally cooled offices at the same time.