Existing Site Conditions

measures of mitigation (Stewart & Oke, 2012). The empirical models will explain most of the UHI variation, although measures which only have a limited cool effect (such as green surfaces and walls) will not be relevant in a small sample size, mitigation measures that have a substantial cooling effect (such as open water and city parks).

Existing Site Conditions An eclectic mix of heritage buildings and offices, restaurants, high-density housing constructions, and old structures adapted to residential or commercial uses characterize the region. In the southern CBD, the streets follow a slightly warped grid pattern, however in the older northern CBD the lanes make multiple intersecting grids, reflecting its arrangement in accordance with the prevailing wind and orientation to Circular Quay in early settlement. South and west limits of the region are marked by two heavy traffic roads: King Street on the south side, and York Street on the west side; east and north boundaries are marked by a heavy traffic route, Western distributor road, which divides the neighborhood from the surroundings.

The existing urban fabrication of the Sydney’s CBD is generally of glass. The architecture at the site truly reflects the essence of modernization. The buildings selected for the simulation will be considered with existing façade material. The results are determined based on the existing materials of these selected buildings and surroundings. The results are compared with the existing materials of the selected buildings and surroundings with the proposed Solar panels façade buildings and surroundings. Other mitigation strategies are also be implicated with the new proposed material simulation model to maximally reduce the UHI effect. To frame the solar panels on the existing buildings, the positioning is calculated by the area of the façade which receives the most heat. The surrounding building levels are also be considered to see the shade and shadow on the selected buildings to experience and select the most appropriate level of the buildings to receive most of the daylight. The positioning of the solar panels depends on the shadows from the surrounding buildings and existing vegetation and upon the maximum ability of to receive the sunlight.

To cool down the effect of heat at the rooftop of the selected area, cool roofing materials are also proposed to lower the impact of heat. In the summer, energy-efficient roofing systems can dramatically reduce roof temperatures, hence reducing the need for air-conditioning electricity. The objective of the Cool Roofing Materials is to reflect or reject the sun's radiant energy before it enters the interior of the building (Cool Roofing Materials Database | HEATISLAND n.d.). Vertical greenery systems can be used in high-density urban environments when space is limited. Building facades and other vertical structures can be enhanced by vertical greenery systems, commonly known as green/ living walls. Reduced surface temperatures and solar and heat protection (shade) are some of the benefits that can be gained from using these solutions. They can also improve indoor thermal comfort and contribute to energy conservation.