Climbing plants bind CO2 and particulate matter, increase air moisture, and contribute to lowering temperatures during hot summers. Cooler air means less air movement, means less whirled up dust and dirt ~ in short, greater conditions for life to flourish! Climbing plants have a significant impact on the microclimate, especially if the facade is fully greened.
Climbing plants bind CO2 (assimilate carbon) and form carbohydrates (leaf fibers and wood pulp = sugar). Ultimately, however, the amount is quite minimal (seen in autumn leaves, the increase in stem/trunk thickness, and possibly the fruit). Only the dry mass is measured in kilograms; that means that per house wall, per year, about 1-2 car tank fillings worth of CO2 will have been absorbed by the plants from the air.
A chemical effect of the decomposition of CO2 and the assimilation of carbon (C) is the release of oxygen (O2), which spreads into the ambient air via the stomata on the undersides of the leaves.
When the sun's rays reach the dark green leaves, they are partially converted into heat. But the chemical process of CO2 fixation requires consistent and relatively low temperatures. For that the heat must somehow be dissipated. Water then constantly evaporates from the leaves to keep the temperature stable, which helps humidify the air. The water collected by the roots, in turn, helps to dry the walls and foundations.
Leaves in the garden facade also absorb dust, especially toxic particulate matter. Once 'captured,' these extremely small nano-particles are much less dangerous and are then washed away with the next rain or composted during autumnal leaf-fall.
Green facades will absorb unwanted heat in the summer and help regulate the temperature of the air and the facade, contributing to air and wall cooling. How? 1) the previously described evaporation process consumes the (heat-) energy; 2) through the chemical processes of carbon fixation. The heat created during combustion of carbon to carbon dioxide is needed more or less again when captured and consumed, if the carbon is again involved in photosynthesis... So, the surrounding air cools and 'sinks,' (this is the fresh cool air you feel in a forest). Essentially: warm air is slowed down, which reduces the movement of air at ground level, and by extension the movement of dust and exhaust gases. There will be less dust whirled up, which will then limit smog formation. This phenomenon has become the subject of scientific study.
More and more cities, at least in Germany, are requiring a certain number of square metres of green space for new building projects in order to preserve or improve the urban microclimate. Too often the demand is perceived as annoying and then only half-heartedly fulfilled. One of our colleagues in the building greening sector shared the following scenario that recently ocurred: a large commissioned (not yet implemented) greening project on a new building was aborted by the contractor the day after the acceptance of the new building by the municipal building authority, because the officials suddenly 'forgot' about the greening part of the contract. The cancellation was then officially signed and confirmed by the official as unessential and 'dispensible'-- a 'stroke of luck' for the contractor's wallet indeed!
Where can green façades have a particularly strong effect on the (micro)climate? Especially where there is no room for street trees, i.e. in narrow alleyways, backyards, sealed areas, etc. You can see examples here!
Fassadengrün is a commercial supplier of stainless steel wire rope systems in Germany, Europe and overseas. Information about: Which plants are suitable, are climbing aids necessary, should they be made of wood or metal? Here at FassadenGrün you will find all the information you need from a single source.
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