Effect of Leaf Area Index on Green Facade Thermal Performance in Buildings

Green facades applied on a building’s envelope allow achieving the passive thermal control and energy consumption reduction. These are complex systems many site- plant-specific parameters influence their behavior. The leaf area index (LAI) is relevant plant characteristic to consider. Solar shading latent heat loss of evapotranspiration two main cooling mechanisms. aim this study was assess effect provided by an evergreen south oriented green facade in summer Mediterranean investigate what happens when LAI changes. Experimental data were used calculate facade. Simulations with different values performed determine related effect. canopy solar transmissivity decreased 54% for every unit increase. significantly influenced performance. As increased, increased; until upper limit value 6. An exponential equation mean extinction coefficient (km), polynomial relationship, very good agreement, proposed as function LAI. findings research can effectively contribute fill still existing gaps facades’ performance simulation buildings equipped them.