Planting trees to replace air conditioners

National University of Singapore (NUS) and Shimizu Group (Japan) are cooperating to study the planting of trees on outer walls and roofs to reduce the internal temperature and increase the outside green area.

Construction faculty in NUS say the roof temperature can reach 500C, making buildings consume more electricity to regulate the temperature. Meanwhile green plants planted on walls and roofs will absorb heat radiation and reduce indoor temperature as well as make the outdoor temperatures cooler.

In Japan, Shimizu has successfully developed a technology to plant trees on the wall. However, this technology is still being studied to adjust factors such as the effect of wind, the effect of trees on walls and ease of maintenance to suit tropical climates.

Green-covered walls both cool inside and create an external landscape (Photo: TL)

M.HUY