Title: Green and blue infrastructure: means of reducing surface temperatures in the urban environment

Authors: Jan Sedláček; Martin Hais; Kristýna Pouchová

Addresses: Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic ' Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic ' Department of Ecosystem Biology, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branišovská 1760, České Budějovice 370 05, Czech Republic

Abstract: Climate change may accelerate the urban heat island (UHI) effect with many consequences for the well-being of human populations in cities. Green and blue infrastructures (GBI) are presented as a way to mitigate the UHI effect. In our study, the influence of GBI (primarily less studied types) on surface temperature (ST) was tested using a thermal camera. Various types of GBI (e.g., tree shade and lawn) and their combination were compared. The studied GBI, including less common forms such as containers with ornamental plants, green roofs and fountains, reduced daytime ST. Moreover, they reduced the thermal amplitudes of surrounding areas (up to 30 m). The results imply that besides larger GBI (e.g., parks, rivers) smaller structures may significantly decrease the UHI effect. We recommend a combination of both blue and green structures especially in street canyons and the use of green roofs and walls when the space for adding GBI is limited.

Keywords: surface temperature; urban climate; microclimate; urban heat island; UHI; green infrastructure; blue infrastructure; greenery; vegetation; green roof; green wall; fountain; well-being; tree shade; climate change; thermal amplitudes.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESD.2022.126078

International Journal of Environment and Sustainable Development, 2022 Vol.21 No.4, pp.388 - 406

Accepted: 26 Jan 2021
Published online: 11 Oct 2022 *

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