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This thesis presents a case study of an indoor Green Wall (GW) installed in an office building in Malmö, Sweden. The study analyzed the effect of the GW on air humidity during low temperature and dry moisture outdoor conditions. The objective was to determine the green wall's indoor humidity contribution while enabling an adequate comparison before and after the GW installation, which requires defining an appropriate space to evaluate. Regarding temperature, humidity, and airflow variations, the office performs as a controlled system that employs an air handling unit (AHU) with an efficiency of up to 90% of humidity recovery (HR). The measurements began in September 2021 and ended 27 weeks later, in April 2022. The data was collected and recorded using sensors previously installed at different points of the office, which were also helpful in identifying the humidity variations according to the proximity of the measuring devices to the GW installation. Subsequently, an analysis was carried out in different phases using Excel. One week of data-record represents the case conditions before, while three weeks represent the conditions after the installation. By establishing a similar scenario to compare, the measurements before and after GW installation were compared, conducting a further discussion. In addition, a brief assessment focused on Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emissions was carried out to suggest a potential environmental reduction in a real-life building. The accuracy of the measurements was assessed by installing additional sensors in the office and AHU to compare the data collected from the ventilation sensors already found in the site study. Even though a few limitations were identified and described in this thesis, the results suggested that the GW installation positively impacts indoor humidity. The conclusions from this study are expected to lead us beyond further analysis in favor of indoor moisture content and building occupants' well-being., Enable an adequate comparison before and after the GW installation requires defining an appropriate space for a fair evaluation. Regarding humidity, the conditions before and after the Green Wall were explored by establishing a similar scenario to compare, inside an office premise. Although the humidity difference experienced in the office might cease in the characteristics of the installed green structure, this study tested and analyzed the green wall´s humidity contribution according to the air variations. In the same vein, according to measurements and data collection, suggesting that the green installation positively impacts humidity in a real-life building. Regarding the data collection, while considering outdoor temperature (°C), vapor ratio (g/kg), and airflow rate (l/s), the measurements given by sensor devices were carried out and recorded from Monday to Friday for 27 weeks, representing more than 3600 measurements for each study week. The main objective of the approach was to identify the most similar conditions before and after the GW installation to ensure a virtuous comparison. Although a few limitations were identified and described later in this thesis, the results obtained answered a set of interrogations, suggesting that humidity is positively affected inside the office due to the presence of the GW installation. Humidity is essential when determining indoor air quality, occupants' comfort, and building energy consumption. Notwithstanding that, an appropriate range for a healthy and comfortable indoor environment is commonly recommended between 40% and 65% RH, low indoor humidity is a real issue in cold climates such as Sweden. This study hoped to advance knowledge and propitiate discussion about humidity and green walls technology. The conclusions from this study would lead us beyond further analysis in favor of building technology, occupants' comfort, and well-being.

Green walls with greywater treatment capabilities can play a key role to close water cycles in growing cities worldwide. Most green wall systems for greywater treatment apply a similar process as in constructed wetlands, where the substrate acts as plant substrate and to treat the polluted water. A novel green wall system is in development that separates the plant layer from the greywater treatment, by introducing a setup similar to a trickling filter. In a first step, various commercial substrates were tested for their suitability in terms of treatment performance at two different hydraulic loading rates over a 10-week period, using synthetic greywater. Measured parameters for determining pollutant removal were turbidity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and others over a treatment time of seven days, measuring concentrations at the beginning, after three days and at seven days. The first substrate, expanded shale, performed best, achieving removal rates up to 60% for COD, closely followed by the other two substrates, plastic Hel-x and foam carriers. Generally, most pollutants were removed within the first three days of treatment. Even though plastic Hel-x carriers were not as efficient in pollutant removal as expanded clay, the carrier will be used for planned pilot trials of the novel green wall system due to their lower weight.

Walls overgrown with plants can have a positive impact on urban comfort and contribute to biodiversity in the city. In particular, quay walls, thanks to their close contact with water, have the potential to be ecologically engineered to encourage the growth of herbaceous plants. Different factors can affect growth of vegetation on walls. This research aims at experimentally investigating the effect of several variables, including quay wall design, building materials and environmental conditions, on receptivity of brick masonry quay walls for herbaceous plants. To this scope, ten quay walls (size 2 m × 2 m x 0.43 m), have been built and placed in a canal in the city of Breda (the Netherlands). The survival and growth of vegetation and the moisture content in the wall were monitored during a period of about 2 years. The results show that the presence of a layer of soil substrate with high capillary suction, positioned in between the masonry cladding and the concrete structure of the wall, has the most relevant positive effect on vegetation growth on the masonry. Mortar composition and irregularities of the wall surface influence bio-receptivity too, but to a less extent; orientation had only a limited effect. Moreover, the strategy of using a mechanically strong bedding mortar in combination with a weaker but more bio-receptive pointing mortar has proven successful at favouring growth of herbaceous plants, while providing sufficient strength to the masonry., Heritage & Architecture, Architectural Technology

Allowing spontaneous urban vegetation to grow on building facades directly could represent a valuable alternative to current common green walls on building, from a cost and maintenance but also biodiversity perspective. The aim of this work is first to document characteristics of the sprouting points of plants on walls. Secondly, with the analysis of the recorded data, possible preferred structures shall be determined to be able to draw conclusions about germination and growth fostering design of construction elements for building facades. The work covers spontaneous vegetation growing on freestanding walls, retainment walls or walls of buildings and civil constructions in Zurich, Switzerland. The wall tops, vertical wall surfaces and wall base joints are assessed separately. With statistical methods (linear models) various environmental characteristics of the walls are examined for significant influence on species richness and cover or abundance. Further, quantitative evaluation of different characteristics of the sprouting Species cover on vertical wall surfaces is significantly positively influenced by inclination in interaction with distance from the ground of the plot and seldom maintenance. Plants use all different forms of sprouting points, i.e., joints, cracks, pores, the substantial difference in occurrence of plants in these different forms is mainly due their highly different occurrence on walls and not to a preference of the plants. Finally, water provision is the most critical point for successful facade vegetation on buildings. To realize a good water provision on facades for plants two options could be considered in future architectural designs of facades: 1. build facade with inclination over 10°; 2. Integrate rainwater flow and water retainment in the facade elements.

The aim of this master thesis was to investigate the influence of different reactor media on the electrical and cleaning performance of an electrochemical green wall (EGW). Another aim was to improve electrical power production and the treatment performance of the system investigated in Bezzola (2021). Therefore, the construction, inoculation and operation of the experimental installation based on the findings from Bezzola (2021). The reactor media studied were Vulkaponic (a plant substrate made of pumice and zeolite with a grain size of 3 -7mm), Seramis (a fine-grained expanded clay), and HDPE biocarriers. The electrodes were constructed from biochar and stainless steel mesh. The system was inoculated over a time of 27 days with digested sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. Four measuring campaigns were conducted, at the beginning of which different quantities of greywater were added. The hydraulic retention time for each measuring campaign was 48 hours. The wall with Vulkaponic reactor medium generally resulted in the highest energy production values. This indicates that the substrate choice is a relevant parameter in EGW design. The electrode spacing is another relevant parameter in EGW design. The improved wall design resulted in increased treatment performance compared to the system investigated in Bezzola (2021). By increasing the hydraulic retention time, there is potential for a further improvement in treatment performance. The averaged maximum power per reactor was 5E-05 W/reactor. However, peak power density per reactor varied and could reach as much as 20E-05 W/reactor. Even for a large-scale green wall this power production is way too small to operate an electrical consumer. However, the power measurements could be used as an important indicator to characterize the state of the system in terms of bacterial activity. It could therefore be used in addition to the water quality parameters to optimally monitor, control and feed the system.

Urban horticulture and vertical gardens provide many benefits for the population in urban areas. A rational selection of plants in these features can introduce a potential for value-added products including extracts of nutraceuticals. Helichrysum. italicum was grown in the urban environment, on a vertical surface in the form of a green wall. Since the location was in a town with continental climate, particular attention was given to ensure that the minimum humidity of the soil and maximal insolation were achieved. Supercritical CO2 (SCCO2) was used for extraction of phytochemicals. Arzanol content of the obtained extracts was determined by HPLC-DAD using pure arzanol as standard. Cytotoxicity (MTT test) and NF-kB activation (p65 ELISA) were evaluated upon treatment of cells in culture (MCF-7, HeLa, MRC-5) with the SCCO2 extracts. This study demonstrates that H. italicum cultivation in urban conditions in the continental climate yields phytochemical-rich extracts. Obtained plant extracts showed potential anticancer effects when investigated in cell-based assays. Extract concentrations below IC50 concentrations for cytotoxic effects had a significant effect on NF-kB activation that was cell-line specific. HeLa and MCF-7 cells responded differently - suggesting the importance of cell receptors for biological activity. Further analysis of the potential use of extracts should be conducted using animal models. The reported use of Helicrysum italicum in the green healing wall is in line with the UN Development Goals for sustainable cities to improve the urban environment with benefits for the population wellbeing and a potential to obtain value-added bioactive extracts.

An appropriate use of natural resources, combined with the choice of innovative materials and the reduction of the consumption of non-renewable sources, increasingly contribute to the sustainability of skyscrapers. Italy has also witnessed the growing custom of including green elements in tall buildings, in the envelopes, at the bases, sides or interiors. The use of vegetation not only concerns new constructions, but also the redevelopment of existing towers, sometimes offering a chance even to buildings that originally lack significant value. Greenery applied to Italian skyscrapers, however, should raise questions about the actual environmental, economic and social sustainability of these design solutions, which sometimes seem to respond to mere aesthetic and ornamental requirements or marketing demands. Through the analysis of certain Italian skyscrapers characterized by the presence of greenery, this study aims to underline the potential and the importance of the use of vegetation in the tall building, an architectural type historically in contrast with natural elements, triggering a reflection on intervention criteria susceptible of application also at wider and more differentiated scales., Un adeguato uso delle risorse naturali, affiancato alla scelta di materiali innovativi e alla riduzione del consumo di fonti non rinnovabili, sempre più spesso contribuisce a rendere i grattacieli sostenibili. Anche in Italia si è diffusa la consuetudine di inserire elementi vegetali negli involucri, ai piedi, ai fianchi o all’interno di edifici alti. L’uso della vegetazione non riguarda solo le nuove realizzazioni, ma pure le riqualificazioni di torri esistenti, offrendo talvolta una possibilità di riscatto persino a manufatti che non presentano originari caratteri di grande pregio. Il greenery applicato ai grattacieli italiani però dovrebbe sollecitare interrogativi sulla effettiva sostenibilità ambientale, economica e sociale di queste soluzioni progettuali, che talvolta sembrano rispondere a mere istanze estetiche e ornamentali o a esigenze di marketing. Partendo dall’analisi di alcuni grattacieli italiani caratterizzati dalla presenza del verde, questo studio si propone di sottolineare le potenzialità e l’importanza dell’uso della vegetazione in una tipologia costruttiva, come quella dell’edificio alto, storicamente in contrapposizione con la naturalità, innescando una riflessione su criteri di intervento suscettibili di applicazioni anche a scale più vaste e differenziate.

The aim of this master thesis was to investigate the influence of different reactor media on the electrical and cleaning performance of an electrochemical green wall (EGW). Another aim was to improve electrical power production and the treatment performance of the system investigated in Bezzola (2021). Therefore, the construction, inoculation and operation of the experimental installation based on the findings from Bezzola (2021). The reactor media studied were Vulkaponic (a plant substrate made of pumice and zeolite with a grain size of 3 -7mm), Seramis (a fine-grained expanded clay), and HDPE biocarriers. The electrodes were constructed from biochar and stainless steel mesh. The system was inoculated over a time of 27 days with digested sludge from a wastewater treatment plant. Four measuring campaigns were conducted, at the beginning of which different quantities of greywater were added. The hydraulic retention time for each measuring campaign was 48 hours. The wall with Vulkaponic reactor medium generally resulted in the highest energy production values. This indicates that the substrate choice is a relevant parameter in EGW design. The electrode spacing is another relevant parameter in EGW design. The improved wall design resulted in increased treatment performance compared to the system investigated in Bezzola (2021). By increasing the hydraulic retention time, there is potential for a further improvement in treatment performance. The averaged maximum power per reactor was 5E-05 W/reactor. However, peak power density per reactor varied and could reach as much as 20E-05 W/reactor. Even for a large-scale green wall this power production is way too small to operate an electrical consumer. However, the power measurements could be used as an important indicator to characterize the state of the system in terms of bacterial activity. It could therefore be used in addition to the water quality parameters to optimally monitor, control and feed the system.

Allowing spontaneous urban vegetation to grow on building facades directly could represent a valuable alternative to current common green walls on building, from a cost and maintenance but also biodiversity perspective. The aim of this work is first to document characteristics of the sprouting points of plants on walls. Secondly, with the analysis of the recorded data, possible preferred structures shall be determined to be able to draw conclusions about germination and growth fostering design of construction elements for building facades. The work covers spontaneous vegetation growing on freestanding walls, retainment walls or walls of buildings and civil constructions in Zurich, Switzerland. The wall tops, vertical wall surfaces and wall base joints are assessed separately. With statistical methods (linear models) various environmental characteristics of the walls are examined for significant influence on species richness and cover or abundance. Further, quantitative evaluation of different characteristics of the sprouting Species cover on vertical wall surfaces is significantly positively influenced by inclination in interaction with distance from the ground of the plot and seldom maintenance. Plants use all different forms of sprouting points, i.e., joints, cracks, pores, the substantial difference in occurrence of plants in these different forms is mainly due their highly different occurrence on walls and not to a preference of the plants. Finally, water provision is the most critical point for successful facade vegetation on buildings. To realize a good water provision on facades for plants two options could be considered in future architectural designs of facades: 1. build facade with inclination over 10°; 2. Integrate rainwater flow and water retainment in the facade elements.

An appropriate use of natural resources, combined with the choice of innovative materials and the reduction of the consumption of non-renewable sources, increasingly contribute to the sustainability of skyscrapers. Italy has also witnessed the growing custom of including green elements in tall buildings, in the envelopes, at the bases, sides or interiors. The use of vegetation not only concerns new constructions, but also the redevelopment of existing towers, sometimes offering a chance even to buildings that originally lack significant value. Greenery applied to Italian skyscrapers, however, should raise questions about the actual environmental, economic and social sustainability of these design solutions, which sometimes seem to respond to mere aesthetic and ornamental requirements or marketing demands. Through the analysis of certain Italian skyscrapers characterized by the presence of greenery, this study aims to underline the potential and the importance of the use of vegetation in the tall building, an architectural type historically in contrast with natural elements, triggering a reflection on intervention criteria susceptible of application also at wider and more differentiated scales., Un adeguato uso delle risorse naturali, affiancato alla scelta di materiali innovativi e alla riduzione del consumo di fonti non rinnovabili, sempre più spesso contribuisce a rendere i grattacieli sostenibili. Anche in Italia si è diffusa la consuetudine di inserire elementi vegetali negli involucri, ai piedi, ai fianchi o all’interno di edifici alti. L’uso della vegetazione non riguarda solo le nuove realizzazioni, ma pure le riqualificazioni di torri esistenti, offrendo talvolta una possibilità di riscatto persino a manufatti che non presentano originari caratteri di grande pregio. Il greenery applicato ai grattacieli italiani però dovrebbe sollecitare interrogativi sulla effettiva sostenibilità ambientale, economica e sociale di queste soluzioni progettuali, che talvolta sembrano rispondere a mere istanze estetiche e ornamentali o a esigenze di marketing. Partendo dall’analisi di alcuni grattacieli italiani caratterizzati dalla presenza del verde, questo studio si propone di sottolineare le potenzialità e l’importanza dell’uso della vegetazione in una tipologia costruttiva, come quella dell’edificio alto, storicamente in contrapposizione con la naturalità, innescando una riflessione su criteri di intervento suscettibili di applicazioni anche a scale più vaste e differenziate.

Noise pollution is a growing health concern in cities, especially in busy streets with parallel reflective facades, known as urban street canyons. Here, high flows of vehicular traffic generate a broadband noise, with high noise levels in the low-frequency (LF) spectrum. In the canyons, noise decays slowly due to multiple reflections. To counter this, vertical greening systems (VGS) can be applied as multi-disciplinary solutions. Not only can these systems attenuate noise, they can also e.g. decrease the urban heat island effect and increase biodiversity. Yet, the shortcoming of VGSs is the lack of LF-absorption. Hence, the following research question was asked: “How can the acoustic absorption of vertical greening systems in urban street canyons be improved, especially for low-frequency noise?” Four concept designs were developed consecutively, and evaluated on the basis of design criteria. These criteria included specifications on acoustic absorption, manufacturability, and durability. The final design consisted of a living wall system (LWS) based on hydroponic rock wool, with a parallel array of Helmholtz resonators integrated in its structure. This array was added to increase the LF-absorption of the VGS below 250 Hz. The Helmholtz cavity volumes were not physically subdivided, but rather filled with a locally reactive material with a low flow resistivity, to enforce propagation that is normal to the surface. Additionally, plants can also absorb sound in the visco-thermal boundary layer around their organs, depending on the leaf area density. It was found that sciophytes (shade-loving plants) had most acoustic potential due to their large leave surfaces. Analytical, experimental, and numerical validation was performed. A Matlab script was developed that applied Delany-Bazley-Miki equations in an equivalent fluid model, and a transfer-function approach for the multi-layer complex impedance. The design yields near-unity absorption for f>500 Hz. The resonators e, Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology

A major challenge faced by human societies is to promote development that truly makes difference for people without jeopardizing their environment. This is particularly urgent in developing countries where, despite decades of development programs, local populations often live under poverty thresholds. With this study, we participate in the ongoing debate about the necessary global revision of development theory and practice in the rural Sahel. We retrace the development trajectories in the Ferlo, the northern silvopastoral zone of Senegal. We highlight how development has evolved from the 1940s to the present, from centralized development action programs focused on hydraulic infrastructure to current polycentric development with growing environmental concerns. We highlight multi-scale events that have influenced the successive development paradigms in the area. Focusing on the past thirty years, we analyzed twenty-five environment and natural resource management-oriented projects, describing the evolution of their objectives and actions over time and identifying recurring flaws: redundancy, lack of synergy, and questionable relevance to local needs We put forth that a more resilient thinking-based development paradigm is necessary to guide the growing number of environment-oriented development actions, including the African Great Green Wall, for which massive investments are ongoing throughout Ferlo and across the Sahel.

Much like other cities Stockholm has traditionally used a technical system for managing stormwater. With time this system has become overburdened and has led to large environmental concerns. To reach water quality goals set by the EU Stockholm needs to decrease pollution released to recipients by 70-80%. Green infrastructure (GI) has increasingly been used as an alternative and addition to technical stormwater systems. Many studies have been conducted on different solutions and their stormwater management performance. The City of Stockholm have done research on numerous solutions to evaluate their performance in the context of Stockholm as well. However, implementation in the inner city is slow, thus this study explores why this is the case, and how Stockholm’s stormwater management goals can be reached. Stockholm predominately uses trees planted in plant beds using structural soil, and a combination of constructed wetlands and wet ponds for stormwater management. In new developments there is no real concern, as the GI can be included in planning at an early stage. Including these solutions in existing environments causes issues related to space, both above and below ground, and costs. Therefore, other solutions need to be found. This study explored green roofs, green walls and permeable pavements as possible options. Additionally, it found that finding new space that has previously not been used for GI could be an option. To mitigate financing issues new ways of promoting investment into GI from private property owners could be utilized, but that there also is a mismatch between supposed support for sustainable stormwater management on the political side and funds allocated. Finally, the study recommends that Stockholm takes the technical systems into account and explores what GI measures best work together with it to more effectively decrease pollution.

Systémy zelených stěn a fasád jsou moderním prvkem pozemních staveb. Pro zajištění správného návrhu a funkčnosti těchto systémů v průběhu jejich životního cyklu je nezbytný popis jejich vlastností. Jednou ze základních vlastností fasádních a obkladových prvků je plošná hmotnost. Ta závisí na zvoleném systému provedení vegetační stěny či fasády, zvoleném množství a druhovém zastoupení vegetace a v neposlední řadě na okolních podmínkách místa instalace. Vzhledem k tomu, že se jedná o živé prvky, je nutné konstatovat, že tato vlastnost nelze vyjádřit jednou hodnotou, ale hmotnostním rozsahem. Z důvodu velké odlišnosti těchto systémů od standardních obkladových či fasádních prvků jsou pro zjištění plošné hmotnosti standardní metody zkoušení nepoužitelné. Tento příspěvek popisuje možnou metodiku pro stanovení plošné hmotnosti systémů vegetačních fasád a jejich změn v čase., Green wall and facade systems are a modern element of building construction. To ensure the correct design and functionality of these systems during their life cycle, it is necessary to describe their properties. One of the basic properties of facade and cladding elements is the basis weight. It depends on the chosen system of vegetation wall or facade, the chosen amount, and species representation of vegetation and, last but not least on the surrounding conditions of the installation site. Given that these are living elements, it must be stated that this property cannot be expressed in a single value, but in a mass range. Due to the great difference between these systems and standard cladding or façade elements, standard testing methods are not applicable for determining the basis weight. This paper describes a possible methodology for determining the basis weight of vegetation facade systems and their changes over time.

Systémy zelených stěn a fasád jsou moderním prvkem pozemních staveb. Pro zajištění správného návrhu a funkčnosti těchto systémů v průběhu jejich životního cyklu je nezbytný popis jejich vlastností. Jednou ze základních vlastností fasádních a obkladových prvků je plošná hmotnost. Ta závisí na zvoleném systému provedení vegetační stěny či fasády, zvoleném množství a druhovém zastoupení vegetace a v neposlední řadě na okolních podmínkách místa instalace. Vzhledem k tomu, že se jedná o živé prvky, je nutné konstatovat, že tato vlastnost nelze vyjádřit jednou hodnotou, ale hmotnostním rozsahem. Z důvodu velké odlišnosti těchto systémů od standardních obkladových či fasádních prvků jsou pro zjištění plošné hmotnosti standardní metody zkoušení nepoužitelné. Tento příspěvek popisuje možnou metodiku pro stanovení plošné hmotnosti systémů vegetačních fasád a jejich změn v čase., Green wall and facade systems are a modern element of building construction. To ensure the correct design and functionality of these systems during their life cycle, it is necessary to describe their properties. One of the basic properties of facade and cladding elements is the basis weight. It depends on the chosen system of vegetation wall or facade, the chosen amount, and species representation of vegetation and, last but not least on the surrounding conditions of the installation site. Given that these are living elements, it must be stated that this property cannot be expressed in a single value, but in a mass range. Due to the great difference between these systems and standard cladding or façade elements, standard testing methods are not applicable for determining the basis weight. This paper describes a possible methodology for determining the basis weight of vegetation facade systems and their changes over time.

Aan de zuidwestzijde van de binnenstad van Breda ligt de deels gedempte rivier de Mark. Deze wordt de komende jaren uitgegraven en getransformeerd tot een blauwgroene ader: de Nieuwe Mark. De Nieuwe Mark moet straks de lokale ecologie verstevigen en het stedelijk klimaat verbeteren. Onderdeel van deze natuurinclusieve transformatie is het realiseren van met muurplanten begroeide kademuren. Wat daar technisch voor nodig is wordt momenteel onderzocht binnen het GreenQuays project., Heritage & Architecture, Architectural Technology

This learning module is an audiovisual presentation that describes the Living Systems of reACT and their connection to cultural principles of the Piscataway tribe. reACT, the University of Maryland competition house for the 2017 Solar Decathlon, includes many sustainability innovations and subsystems, including the innovative Living Systems. The Living Systems are a collection of plants and regenerative technologies within and around reACT that provide food and ecosystem services while transforming various wastes into resources. The purpose of this learning module is to describe the Living Systems in an accessible way that is understood by a broad, non-technical audience. By the end of the learning module, the audience will be able to 1) Understand the origins of reACT’s Living Systems, 2) Understand the core components of the Living Systems, 3) Realize the core themes within the Living Systems, 4) Understand how the Piscataway use native plants, 5) Be inspired to contribute to the sustainability field. This work advances scholarship related to how indigenous knowledge systems and wisdom can be applied to living practices within homes.

Noise pollution is a growing health concern in cities, especially in busy streets with parallel reflective facades, known as urban street canyons. Here, high flows of vehicular traffic generate a broadband noise, with high noise levels in the low-frequency (LF) spectrum. In the canyons, noise decays slowly due to multiple reflections. To counter this, vertical greening systems (VGS) can be applied as multi-disciplinary solutions. Not only can these systems attenuate noise, they can also e.g. decrease the urban heat island effect and increase biodiversity. Yet, the shortcoming of VGSs is the lack of LF-absorption. Hence, the following research question was asked: “How can the acoustic absorption of vertical greening systems in urban street canyons be improved, especially for low-frequency noise?” Four concept designs were developed consecutively, and evaluated on the basis of design criteria. These criteria included specifications on acoustic absorption, manufacturability, and durability. The final design consisted of a living wall system (LWS) based on hydroponic rock wool, with a parallel array of Helmholtz resonators integrated in its structure. This array was added to increase the LF-absorption of the VGS below 250 Hz. The Helmholtz cavity volumes were not physically subdivided, but rather filled with a locally reactive material with a low flow resistivity, to enforce propagation that is normal to the surface. Additionally, plants can also absorb sound in the visco-thermal boundary layer around their organs, depending on the leaf area density. It was found that sciophytes (shade-loving plants) had most acoustic potential due to their large leave surfaces. Analytical, experimental, and numerical validation was performed. A Matlab script was developed that applied Delany-Bazley-Miki equations in an equivalent fluid model, and a transfer-function approach for the multi-layer complex impedance. The design yields near-unity absorption for f>500 Hz. The resonators e, Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology

Much like other cities Stockholm has traditionally used a technical system for managing stormwater. With time this system has become overburdened and has led to large environmental concerns. To reach water quality goals set by the EU Stockholm needs to decrease pollution released to recipients by 70-80%. Green infrastructure (GI) has increasingly been used as an alternative and addition to technical stormwater systems. Many studies have been conducted on different solutions and their stormwater management performance. The City of Stockholm have done research on numerous solutions to evaluate their performance in the context of Stockholm as well. However, implementation in the inner city is slow, thus this study explores why this is the case, and how Stockholm’s stormwater management goals can be reached. Stockholm predominately uses trees planted in plant beds using structural soil, and a combination of constructed wetlands and wet ponds for stormwater management. In new developments there is no real concern, as the GI can be included in planning at an early stage. Including these solutions in existing environments causes issues related to space, both above and below ground, and costs. Therefore, other solutions need to be found. This study explored green roofs, green walls and permeable pavements as possible options. Additionally, it found that finding new space that has previously not been used for GI could be an option. To mitigate financing issues new ways of promoting investment into GI from private property owners could be utilized, but that there also is a mismatch between supposed support for sustainable stormwater management on the political side and funds allocated. Finally, the study recommends that Stockholm takes the technical systems into account and explores what GI measures best work together with it to more effectively decrease pollution.

It has been widely discussed that air particulate matter (PM) has become a serious environmental issue which put great threats to human health and life-span. The respiratory and neurodegenerative disease are considered highly related to PM pollution. Most European urban residents are considered under the threat from PM2.5, and ultra-fine PM has even been reported to harm human DNA. With the acceleration of urbanization, traffic-related PM is becoming a large portion of anthropogenic PM in the urban area, finding an efficient way to mitigate the urban PM pollution is thus quite imperative. Green vegetation has been accepted as efficient phytoremediation for urban PM reduction by former researches, but most studies focused on the PM capturing mechanism by vegetation which has large planting area, like city forest, urban green land, and city wetland. The efficiency of roadside vegetation which faces directly to the source of urban PM pollution was, however, rarely reported. This study tries to select the most efficient roadside plants by comparing the PM capturing efficiency of 12 common urban plant species with different leaf traits and leaf surface characteristics in Hanover, Germany; to summarize the similarity of highly efficient plant species; to explore the internal and external factors which lead to the efficiency disparities; and attempts to propose optimal using patterns with efficient roadside plants under different urban conditions. Among all tested plants, Taxus baccata, Pinus nigra, Berberis thunbergii and Hedera helix were found to be the most efficient species; evergreen plants which had needle-shaped leaves were generally more efficient than deciduous species with broad leaves; species with small leaf area tended to possess higher efficiency than species with large leaves. Plant species with rough leaf surface which is resulted from a large amount of existing deep grooves, trichomes and stomata were found quite effective for PM capture. In addition, lea

The use of green walls (also commonly referred to as living walls or vertical gardens) is not a new concept in building envelopes. Integrating vegetation in architectural structures may be a sustainable approach to the construction of façades of the new and existing structures. Green walls belong to the highly innovative and the fastest developing concepts of green building technology. This fact is supported by the examples of structures originally built with green walls which greatly add to the total visual appeal of buildings and are an important factor in the improvement of their thermal characteris- tics. Green walls have their own aesthetic values which are in direct correlation with human interaction aimed at creating visual diversity within urban spaces. Artistic perception of green walls of the recent era has radically changed, along with the new technological possibilities, their further development and application in the designing effort to formulate shape and materialization as a spatial structure with the already known aspects of traditional modelling. Green walls appear in space as elements car- rying artistic application and sculptural creation in spatial architectural form of structures. Greening and preserving urban spaces have become important issues in considering conditions for designing architectural structures and redefining the relation between technology, energy and shaping, with the possibility of applying green walls in the architectural transformation process of the urban space. Green walls have raised new aesthetic issues, which are in direct correlation with technical solutions.

Nature and human have always coexisted over time. We learned to transform and adapt it to our way and according to our needs. Despite the incredible advances that we have been ableto make within architecture, urban planning, technology, it seems that often the tools used go a little faster than our learning and the way to organize it with our surroundings. Climate change is increasing and being more visible everyday around the world. With this work, it is intended to analyze within examples, one of the multiple methods developed to reduce our impact on the planet. The majority of cities are fairly dense, there is no longer area on the ground for the creation of new green spaces. An alternative was the use of existing spaces, hence the green spaces in horizontal and vertical. Vertical greenery system are taking up more spaces in the city. The progress towards their improvement is considerable, so that in the long term these elements can become sustainable and play a huge role in reducing CO2 in a city. Also help improve the life of the city’s habitant and contribute to the enrichment of the fauna and the flora of the places where they are built., Objectius de Desenvolupament Sostenible::11 - Ciutats i Comunitats Sostenibles

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well)., V posledních letech se často řeší otázka podmínek prostředí v interiéru, které mají významný vliv na lidské zdraví. Při provedených průzkumech ve školních zařízeních a administrativních budovách bylo často zjištěno, že koncentrace oxidu uhličitého velmi často převyšoval limitní hodnotu 1500 ppm dle vyhlášky č. 20/2012 Sb., o technických požadavcích na stavby. Dále velmi často byla v interiérech stanovena velmi nízká relativní vlhkost. Z tohoto důvodu pak dochází ke zhoršení podmínek pro studium, práci, která má také negativní dopad na lidské zdraví. Jedním z řešení pro zlepšení mikroklimatických podmínek v interiéru může být aplikace zelených vertikálních stěn. Tyto stěny vytváří v interiéru vhodné klimatické podmínky a mají významný vliv na duševní pohodu lidí, kteří v interiéru pobývají. Dále významně ovlivňují prašnost a akustické podmínky v místnosti. V rámci výzkumných prací bylo provedeno porovnání podmínek prostředí interiérů dvou učeben na Fakultě stavební, Vysokého učení technického. V jedné učebně byla provedena aplikace zelené stěny a druhá byla ponechána v původním stavu. Bylo provedeno měření koncentrace CO2, O2, dále stanovení teploty a relativní vlhkosti. Pro zjištění vlivu zelené stěny na samotné studenty a učitele (psychická pohoda; efektivita, produktivita, kreativita práce; a další) byla vytvořena anketa. Na základě průběžných výsledků měření lze konstatovat, že učebna se zelenými prvky poskytuje významně lepší mikroklimatické podmínky v interiéru, zejména obsah CO2 je zde nižší, relativní vlhkost prostředí je vyšší v porovnání s učebnou bez zelené stěny, což má vliv na zdraví a pohodu studentů i učitelů, což dokazují i výsledky ankety.

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster consiste en la elaboración de un Proyecto de diseño y construcción de un jardín vertical de 162 m2 , ubicado en la fachada principal del auditorio del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia (C.S.M.V.). Los objetivos que se persiguen son: por un lado, introducir un elemento termorregulador en la fachada sur del edificio para contribuir en la reducción de su gasto energético y, por otra parte, añadir valor estético al edifico revistiendo la fachada con un tapiz vegetal. Además, un objetivo indirecto del Proyecto es servir como impulsor para la puesta en marcha de otros proyectos similares, que aumentarían la cantidad de sumideros de carbono de la ciudad, fomentando la naturación urbana y la arquitectura bioclimática, dos conceptos fundamentales para las ciudades del futuro. El jardín está formado por una estructura metálica independiente al edificio pero anclada a él, de donde cuelgan unos gaviones rellenos de sustrato universal a modo de maceta, en los cuales se asienta la vegetación. Estos gaviones irán cubiertos de brezo en su cara frontal, para ocultar el alambre de los gaviones y aportar estética visual. El jardín contará con un sistema de riego automatizado a través de una aplicación móvil, que permite modificar el riego que se ha programado si las condiciones ambientales, o de otra índole, lo requieren. Para aportar coherencia entre el jardín y la institución donde se va a implantar, a modo de homenaje, se han seleccionado doce géneros botánicos y se ha creado una relación con las doce notas de la música occidental. El diseño ornamental está basado en esta relación “género botánico – nota musical” para distribuir las especies en base a la armonía musical y a progresiones características de la teoría musical reciente. La vegetación seleccionada combina diferentes especies ornamentales y aromáticas de los doce géneros mencionados, adaptadas todas ellas a las condiciones abióticas estudiadas durante la elaboración del P, [EN] The purpose of this Final Master Thesis is the design and constructive definition of a 162 m2 green wall located on the main facade of the Superior Music Conservatory (C.S.M.V). The aims of this study are three. On one hand, decreasing the buildings energy consumption by the installation of a thermoregulatory device on its southern facade. On the other, adding aesthetic value to the building by providing it with a plant tapestry. Lastly, this initiative could also serve as an example and prompt similar projects. As consequence, two of the most important elements of the future cities, such as bioclimatic architecture and the urban greening, are enhanced. The green wall structure is formed by steel frames attached and fixed to the building. The planted vegetation is located inside the hanging gabions, filled up with universal soil. The front side of the flowerpots is covered by heather, in order to improve its aesthetics. The garden irrigation is controlled by a phone application, allowing to modify any parameter as required. As a tribute to the location of the Project, the plant species distribution and selection is related to the western music system. The design criterion consists in relating the botanical genre with a music note. The contemporary music theory and harmony progressions were used for the design process. The selected species combine ornamental and aromatic plants that correspond to the twelve musical notes. They all are adapted to the abiotic conditions studied on the Project. Finally, attempts have been made to reduce the maintenance costs. Therefore, the pot-gabions used on the project do not need constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Also, a security system is planned for any height work needed without requiring additional lifting platforms to access the garden. In short, the present Final Master Thesis investigates the existing green wall systems in order to elaborate a project that combines energy efficiency aesthetic design in urban g

Over the past 50years, a large number of development initiatives have addressed the diverse social and ecological challenges in the Sahel, often focusing on a single entry point or action, resulting in only a limited degree of success. Within the last decade, the international development discourse has evolved to incorporate resilience thinking as a way to address more complex challenges. However, concrete examples as to how to operationalize resilience thinking are lacking. The Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative (GGW), a pan-African program with a strong reforestation focus, is the latest and most ambitious of these development programs to date. The GGW represents an ideal opportunity to apply resilience thinking at a large scale, but in order to do so, it must intelligently gather and centralize pre-existing interdisciplinary knowledge, generate new knowledge, and integrate knowledge systems to appropriately navigate future uncertainties of the diverse social-ecological systems along its path. Herein, after a brief description of large-scale reforestation history in the Sahara and Sahel and the conceptual evolution of the GGW, we propose a transdisciplinary research framework with resilience thinking at its core. It includes analysis of complex social-ecological systems, their temporal and spatial cross-scale interactions, and outcomes focused on the supply of abundant, diverse, equitable, and durable ecosystem services to support livelihoods in the region. If the research areas that comprise the framework were to be properly addressed, they could conceivably guide GGW actions in a way that would contribute to desirable future pathways.

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster consiste en la elaboración de un Proyecto de diseño y construcción de un jardín vertical de 162 m2 , ubicado en la fachada principal del auditorio del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia (C.S.M.V.). Los objetivos que se persiguen son: por un lado, introducir un elemento termorregulador en la fachada sur del edificio para contribuir en la reducción de su gasto energético y, por otra parte, añadir valor estético al edifico revistiendo la fachada con un tapiz vegetal. Además, un objetivo indirecto del Proyecto es servir como impulsor para la puesta en marcha de otros proyectos similares, que aumentarían la cantidad de sumideros de carbono de la ciudad, fomentando la naturación urbana y la arquitectura bioclimática, dos conceptos fundamentales para las ciudades del futuro. El jardín está formado por una estructura metálica independiente al edificio pero anclada a él, de donde cuelgan unos gaviones rellenos de sustrato universal a modo de maceta, en los cuales se asienta la vegetación. Estos gaviones irán cubiertos de brezo en su cara frontal, para ocultar el alambre de los gaviones y aportar estética visual. El jardín contará con un sistema de riego automatizado a través de una aplicación móvil, que permite modificar el riego que se ha programado si las condiciones ambientales, o de otra índole, lo requieren. Para aportar coherencia entre el jardín y la institución donde se va a implantar, a modo de homenaje, se han seleccionado doce géneros botánicos y se ha creado una relación con las doce notas de la música occidental. El diseño ornamental está basado en esta relación “género botánico – nota musical” para distribuir las especies en base a la armonía musical y a progresiones características de la teoría musical reciente. La vegetación seleccionada combina diferentes especies ornamentales y aromáticas de los doce géneros mencionados, adaptadas todas ellas a las condiciones abióticas estudiadas durante la elaboración del P, [EN] The purpose of this Final Master Thesis is the design and constructive definition of a 162 m2 green wall located on the main facade of the Superior Music Conservatory (C.S.M.V). The aims of this study are three. On one hand, decreasing the buildings energy consumption by the installation of a thermoregulatory device on its southern facade. On the other, adding aesthetic value to the building by providing it with a plant tapestry. Lastly, this initiative could also serve as an example and prompt similar projects. As consequence, two of the most important elements of the future cities, such as bioclimatic architecture and the urban greening, are enhanced. The green wall structure is formed by steel frames attached and fixed to the building. The planted vegetation is located inside the hanging gabions, filled up with universal soil. The front side of the flowerpots is covered by heather, in order to improve its aesthetics. The garden irrigation is controlled by a phone application, allowing to modify any parameter as required. As a tribute to the location of the Project, the plant species distribution and selection is related to the western music system. The design criterion consists in relating the botanical genre with a music note. The contemporary music theory and harmony progressions were used for the design process. The selected species combine ornamental and aromatic plants that correspond to the twelve musical notes. They all are adapted to the abiotic conditions studied on the Project. Finally, attempts have been made to reduce the maintenance costs. Therefore, the pot-gabions used on the project do not need constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Also, a security system is planned for any height work needed without requiring additional lifting platforms to access the garden. In short, the present Final Master Thesis investigates the existing green wall systems in order to elaborate a project that combines energy efficiency aesthetic design in urban g

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster consiste en la elaboración de un Proyecto de diseño y construcción de un jardín vertical de 162 m2 , ubicado en la fachada principal del auditorio del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia (C.S.M.V.). Los objetivos que se persiguen son: por un lado, introducir un elemento termorregulador en la fachada sur del edificio para contribuir en la reducción de su gasto energético y, por otra parte, añadir valor estético al edifico revistiendo la fachada con un tapiz vegetal. Además, un objetivo indirecto del Proyecto es servir como impulsor para la puesta en marcha de otros proyectos similares, que aumentarían la cantidad de sumideros de carbono de la ciudad, fomentando la naturación urbana y la arquitectura bioclimática, dos conceptos fundamentales para las ciudades del futuro. El jardín está formado por una estructura metálica independiente al edificio pero anclada a él, de donde cuelgan unos gaviones rellenos de sustrato universal a modo de maceta, en los cuales se asienta la vegetación. Estos gaviones irán cubiertos de brezo en su cara frontal, para ocultar el alambre de los gaviones y aportar estética visual. El jardín contará con un sistema de riego automatizado a través de una aplicación móvil, que permite modificar el riego que se ha programado si las condiciones ambientales, o de otra índole, lo requieren. Para aportar coherencia entre el jardín y la institución donde se va a implantar, a modo de homenaje, se han seleccionado doce géneros botánicos y se ha creado una relación con las doce notas de la música occidental. El diseño ornamental está basado en esta relación “género botánico – nota musical” para distribuir las especies en base a la armonía musical y a progresiones características de la teoría musical reciente. La vegetación seleccionada combina diferentes especies ornamentales y aromáticas de los doce géneros mencionados, adaptadas todas ellas a las condiciones abióticas estudiadas durante la elaboración del P, [EN] The purpose of this Final Master Thesis is the design and constructive definition of a 162 m2 green wall located on the main facade of the Superior Music Conservatory (C.S.M.V). The aims of this study are three. On one hand, decreasing the buildings energy consumption by the installation of a thermoregulatory device on its southern facade. On the other, adding aesthetic value to the building by providing it with a plant tapestry. Lastly, this initiative could also serve as an example and prompt similar projects. As consequence, two of the most important elements of the future cities, such as bioclimatic architecture and the urban greening, are enhanced. The green wall structure is formed by steel frames attached and fixed to the building. The planted vegetation is located inside the hanging gabions, filled up with universal soil. The front side of the flowerpots is covered by heather, in order to improve its aesthetics. The garden irrigation is controlled by a phone application, allowing to modify any parameter as required. As a tribute to the location of the Project, the plant species distribution and selection is related to the western music system. The design criterion consists in relating the botanical genre with a music note. The contemporary music theory and harmony progressions were used for the design process. The selected species combine ornamental and aromatic plants that correspond to the twelve musical notes. They all are adapted to the abiotic conditions studied on the Project. Finally, attempts have been made to reduce the maintenance costs. Therefore, the pot-gabions used on the project do not need constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Also, a security system is planned for any height work needed without requiring additional lifting platforms to access the garden. In short, the present Final Master Thesis investigates the existing green wall systems in order to elaborate a project that combines energy efficiency aesthetic design in urban g

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster consiste en la elaboración de un Proyecto de diseño y construcción de un jardín vertical de 162 m2 , ubicado en la fachada principal del auditorio del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia (C.S.M.V.). Los objetivos que se persiguen son: por un lado, introducir un elemento termorregulador en la fachada sur del edificio para contribuir en la reducción de su gasto energético y, por otra parte, añadir valor estético al edifico revistiendo la fachada con un tapiz vegetal. Además, un objetivo indirecto del Proyecto es servir como impulsor para la puesta en marcha de otros proyectos similares, que aumentarían la cantidad de sumideros de carbono de la ciudad, fomentando la naturación urbana y la arquitectura bioclimática, dos conceptos fundamentales para las ciudades del futuro. El jardín está formado por una estructura metálica independiente al edificio pero anclada a él, de donde cuelgan unos gaviones rellenos de sustrato universal a modo de maceta, en los cuales se asienta la vegetación. Estos gaviones irán cubiertos de brezo en su cara frontal, para ocultar el alambre de los gaviones y aportar estética visual. El jardín contará con un sistema de riego automatizado a través de una aplicación móvil, que permite modificar el riego que se ha programado si las condiciones ambientales, o de otra índole, lo requieren. Para aportar coherencia entre el jardín y la institución donde se va a implantar, a modo de homenaje, se han seleccionado doce géneros botánicos y se ha creado una relación con las doce notas de la música occidental. El diseño ornamental está basado en esta relación “género botánico – nota musical” para distribuir las especies en base a la armonía musical y a progresiones características de la teoría musical reciente. La vegetación seleccionada combina diferentes especies ornamentales y aromáticas de los doce géneros mencionados, adaptadas todas ellas a las condiciones abióticas estudiadas durante la elaboración del P, [EN] The purpose of this Final Master Thesis is the design and constructive definition of a 162 m2 green wall located on the main facade of the Superior Music Conservatory (C.S.M.V). The aims of this study are three. On one hand, decreasing the buildings energy consumption by the installation of a thermoregulatory device on its southern facade. On the other, adding aesthetic value to the building by providing it with a plant tapestry. Lastly, this initiative could also serve as an example and prompt similar projects. As consequence, two of the most important elements of the future cities, such as bioclimatic architecture and the urban greening, are enhanced. The green wall structure is formed by steel frames attached and fixed to the building. The planted vegetation is located inside the hanging gabions, filled up with universal soil. The front side of the flowerpots is covered by heather, in order to improve its aesthetics. The garden irrigation is controlled by a phone application, allowing to modify any parameter as required. As a tribute to the location of the Project, the plant species distribution and selection is related to the western music system. The design criterion consists in relating the botanical genre with a music note. The contemporary music theory and harmony progressions were used for the design process. The selected species combine ornamental and aromatic plants that correspond to the twelve musical notes. They all are adapted to the abiotic conditions studied on the Project. Finally, attempts have been made to reduce the maintenance costs. Therefore, the pot-gabions used on the project do not need constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Also, a security system is planned for any height work needed without requiring additional lifting platforms to access the garden. In short, the present Final Master Thesis investigates the existing green wall systems in order to elaborate a project that combines energy efficiency aesthetic design in urban g

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster consiste en la elaboración de un Proyecto de diseño y construcción de un jardín vertical de 162 m2 , ubicado en la fachada principal del auditorio del Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia (C.S.M.V.). Los objetivos que se persiguen son: por un lado, introducir un elemento termorregulador en la fachada sur del edificio para contribuir en la reducción de su gasto energético y, por otra parte, añadir valor estético al edifico revistiendo la fachada con un tapiz vegetal. Además, un objetivo indirecto del Proyecto es servir como impulsor para la puesta en marcha de otros proyectos similares, que aumentarían la cantidad de sumideros de carbono de la ciudad, fomentando la naturación urbana y la arquitectura bioclimática, dos conceptos fundamentales para las ciudades del futuro. El jardín está formado por una estructura metálica independiente al edificio pero anclada a él, de donde cuelgan unos gaviones rellenos de sustrato universal a modo de maceta, en los cuales se asienta la vegetación. Estos gaviones irán cubiertos de brezo en su cara frontal, para ocultar el alambre de los gaviones y aportar estética visual. El jardín contará con un sistema de riego automatizado a través de una aplicación móvil, que permite modificar el riego que se ha programado si las condiciones ambientales, o de otra índole, lo requieren. Para aportar coherencia entre el jardín y la institución donde se va a implantar, a modo de homenaje, se han seleccionado doce géneros botánicos y se ha creado una relación con las doce notas de la música occidental. El diseño ornamental está basado en esta relación “género botánico – nota musical” para distribuir las especies en base a la armonía musical y a progresiones características de la teoría musical reciente. La vegetación seleccionada combina diferentes especies ornamentales y aromáticas de los doce géneros mencionados, adaptadas todas ellas a las condiciones abióticas estudiadas durante la elaboración del P, [EN] The purpose of this Final Master Thesis is the design and constructive definition of a 162 m2 green wall located on the main facade of the Superior Music Conservatory (C.S.M.V). The aims of this study are three. On one hand, decreasing the buildings energy consumption by the installation of a thermoregulatory device on its southern facade. On the other, adding aesthetic value to the building by providing it with a plant tapestry. Lastly, this initiative could also serve as an example and prompt similar projects. As consequence, two of the most important elements of the future cities, such as bioclimatic architecture and the urban greening, are enhanced. The green wall structure is formed by steel frames attached and fixed to the building. The planted vegetation is located inside the hanging gabions, filled up with universal soil. The front side of the flowerpots is covered by heather, in order to improve its aesthetics. The garden irrigation is controlled by a phone application, allowing to modify any parameter as required. As a tribute to the location of the Project, the plant species distribution and selection is related to the western music system. The design criterion consists in relating the botanical genre with a music note. The contemporary music theory and harmony progressions were used for the design process. The selected species combine ornamental and aromatic plants that correspond to the twelve musical notes. They all are adapted to the abiotic conditions studied on the Project. Finally, attempts have been made to reduce the maintenance costs. Therefore, the pot-gabions used on the project do not need constant supply of nutrients and irrigation. Also, a security system is planned for any height work needed without requiring additional lifting platforms to access the garden. In short, the present Final Master Thesis investigates the existing green wall systems in order to elaborate a project that combines energy efficiency aesthetic design in urban g

Rapidly expanding urban developments are having an inverse relationship on the surrounding urban environment. Facades and the materials that they are composed of can have a large impact on the warming of urban microclimates. By reducing or cooling the external surfaces of a facade a building maybe able to offset its contribution to the urban heat island effect. The thesis will help quantify the theoretical impact that this new living facade system can have on external surface temperatures. However, because this is a new facade technique, developing the facade design will also generate the guidelines needed to achieve a bioreceptive urban facade. The resulting facade design will reveal insights and discover the limitations of such an application into urban environments., Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology

The construction, operation and maintenance of buildings consume more than 40% of primary energy in most countries. Out of this 40%, a large portion is related to the operational phase involving heat losses through a buildings envelope. To reduce this loss, several materials have been developed to reduce the thermal transmittance through a façade, even though they carry a heavy environmental burden. Furthermore, the unregulated and rapid expansion of urban environments led to a considerable amount of problems. Among them, the urban heat island effect demands special attention as it has been responsible for an increase of the energy consumption to higher mortality rates. In part, the use of materials with high thermal admittance is responsible for these effects. Vertical green systems have shown to be a potential solution to improve, among others, the thermal demands of buildings and to mitigate the urban heat island effect. However, due to the uncertainty associated with their design process and operation, the implementation of vegetation as a construction material in an urban setting is often overlooked. Therefore, an in-depth study of their performance under different configurations and climate conditions is needed. The optimization study was based on the parametrization of a green façade and a living wall system which aimed to identify their response under variable initial conditions. A analysis of the essential parameters in the vegetation model was performed. Consequently, the leaf area index showed the highest effect, followed by the substrate thickness, leaf angle distribution, leaf surface albedo and finally by the moisture content of the substrate layer. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art computational work flow was developed through the integration of ENVI_met, Rhino/Grasshopper and modeFRONTIER, in combination with Python 3 scripting, to evaluate the performance of vertical greenery systems. The evaluation focused on the heat transmission through t, Civil Engineering | Building Engineering

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster permitirá aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en el Máster Universitario en Tecnologías Energéticas para el Desarrollo Sostenible, así como afianzar lo aprendido en el Grado en Ingeniería de la Energía. El proyecto tratará el análisis del impacto de Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (NBS) sobre el consumo energético de los edificios, mediante el empleo de un software de simulación energética de edificios en el cual se modificarán aspectos como la caracterización constructiva del edificio, el análisis del efecto de las sombras, la caracterización de equipos de climatización, iluminación¿ y la introducción de horarios de usos y temperaturas de confort. Estudiándose la calibración de los datos del proyecto mediante las medidas experimentales de la temperatura exterior de la superficie de los muros. De tal forma, se evaluará a partir de un caso base el efecto del arbolado circundante al edificio y/o el efecto de un muro vegetal, presentando una especial atención al uso de diferentes tipologías de vegetación para seleccionar la mejor opción, además de diferentes medidas de mejora que hayan sido identificadas fruto de la simulación energética del edificio, [EN] The present Master¿s thesis will allow to apply the knowledge gathered in the Universitary Master in Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development, as well as strengthen everything learnt in the Energy Engineering Degree. The project will deal with the analysis of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) on the energy consumption of buildings, through the use of an energy simulation software which will modify aspects like the constructive characterization of the building, the analysis of shading effects, characterization of air conditioning equipment, lighting¿ and the introduction of use schedules and comfort temperatures. Studying the calibration of the project data using the experimental measurements of the exterior¿s surface temperature of the building¿s walls. In such a way, starting from a base case the effect of surrounding trees and/or the effect of a green wall will be evaluated, taking special attention on the use of different vegetation types to select the best option, in addition to several improvement measures that had been identified through the energy simulation of the building., [CA] El present Treball de Final de Màster pot permetre aplicar els coneixements adquirits al Màster Universitari en Tecnologies Energètiques per al Desenvolupament Sostenible, així como refermar lo que s’ha aprés en el Grau en Enginyeria de l’Energia. El projecte tractarà l’anàlisi de l’impacte de Solucions Basades en la Natura (NBS) sobre el consum energètic dels edificis, mitjançant l’ús d’un software de simulació energètica de edificis en el qual es modificaran aspectes com la caracterització constructiva de l’edifici, l’anàlisi de l’efecte de les ombres, la caracterització d’equips de climatització, il·luminació… i la introducció d’horaris d’ús i temperatures de confort. Estudiant el calibratge de les dades del projecte mitjançant la realització de mesures experimentals de la temperatura exterior de la superfície dels murs De tal forma, s’avaluarà a partir d’un cas base l’efecte de l’arbrat circumdant a l’edifici i/o l’efecte d’un mur vegetal, presentant una especial atenció a l’ús de diferents tipologies de vegetació per seleccionar la millor opció, a més de diferents mesures de millora que hagin estat identificades fruit de la simulació energètica de l’edifici.

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster permitirá aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en el Máster Universitario en Tecnologías Energéticas para el Desarrollo Sostenible, así como afianzar lo aprendido en el Grado en Ingeniería de la Energía. El proyecto tratará el análisis del impacto de Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (NBS) sobre el consumo energético de los edificios, mediante el empleo de un software de simulación energética de edificios en el cual se modificarán aspectos como la caracterización constructiva del edificio, el análisis del efecto de las sombras, la caracterización de equipos de climatización, iluminación¿ y la introducción de horarios de usos y temperaturas de confort. Estudiándose la calibración de los datos del proyecto mediante las medidas experimentales de la temperatura exterior de la superficie de los muros. De tal forma, se evaluará a partir de un caso base el efecto del arbolado circundante al edificio y/o el efecto de un muro vegetal, presentando una especial atención al uso de diferentes tipologías de vegetación para seleccionar la mejor opción, además de diferentes medidas de mejora que hayan sido identificadas fruto de la simulación energética del edificio, [EN] The present Master¿s thesis will allow to apply the knowledge gathered in the Universitary Master in Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development, as well as strengthen everything learnt in the Energy Engineering Degree. The project will deal with the analysis of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) on the energy consumption of buildings, through the use of an energy simulation software which will modify aspects like the constructive characterization of the building, the analysis of shading effects, characterization of air conditioning equipment, lighting¿ and the introduction of use schedules and comfort temperatures. Studying the calibration of the project data using the experimental measurements of the exterior¿s surface temperature of the building¿s walls. In such a way, starting from a base case the effect of surrounding trees and/or the effect of a green wall will be evaluated, taking special attention on the use of different vegetation types to select the best option, in addition to several improvement measures that had been identified through the energy simulation of the building., [CA] El present Treball de Final de Màster pot permetre aplicar els coneixements adquirits al Màster Universitari en Tecnologies Energètiques per al Desenvolupament Sostenible, així como refermar lo que s’ha aprés en el Grau en Enginyeria de l’Energia. El projecte tractarà l’anàlisi de l’impacte de Solucions Basades en la Natura (NBS) sobre el consum energètic dels edificis, mitjançant l’ús d’un software de simulació energètica de edificis en el qual es modificaran aspectes com la caracterització constructiva de l’edifici, l’anàlisi de l’efecte de les ombres, la caracterització d’equips de climatització, il·luminació… i la introducció d’horaris d’ús i temperatures de confort. Estudiant el calibratge de les dades del projecte mitjançant la realització de mesures experimentals de la temperatura exterior de la superfície dels murs De tal forma, s’avaluarà a partir d’un cas base l’efecte de l’arbrat circumdant a l’edifici i/o l’efecte d’un mur vegetal, presentant una especial atenció a l’ús de diferents tipologies de vegetació per seleccionar la millor opció, a més de diferents mesures de millora que hagin estat identificades fruit de la simulació energètica de l’edifici.

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well)., V posledních letech se často řeší otázka podmínek prostředí v interiéru, které mají významný vliv na lidské zdraví. Při provedených průzkumech ve školních zařízeních a administrativních budovách bylo často zjištěno, že koncentrace oxidu uhličitého velmi často převyšoval limitní hodnotu 1500 ppm dle vyhlášky č. 20/2012 Sb., o technických požadavcích na stavby. Dále velmi často byla v interiérech stanovena velmi nízká relativní vlhkost. Z tohoto důvodu pak dochází ke zhoršení podmínek pro studium, práci, která má také negativní dopad na lidské zdraví. Jedním z řešení pro zlepšení mikroklimatických podmínek v interiéru může být aplikace zelených vertikálních stěn. Tyto stěny vytváří v interiéru vhodné klimatické podmínky a mají významný vliv na duševní pohodu lidí, kteří v interiéru pobývají. Dále významně ovlivňují prašnost a akustické podmínky v místnosti. V rámci výzkumných prací bylo provedeno porovnání podmínek prostředí interiérů dvou učeben na Fakultě stavební, Vysokého učení technického. V jedné učebně byla provedena aplikace zelené stěny a druhá byla ponechána v původním stavu. Bylo provedeno měření koncentrace CO2, O2, dále stanovení teploty a relativní vlhkosti. Pro zjištění vlivu zelené stěny na samotné studenty a učitele (psychická pohoda; efektivita, produktivita, kreativita práce; a další) byla vytvořena anketa. Na základě průběžných výsledků měření lze konstatovat, že učebna se zelenými prvky poskytuje významně lepší mikroklimatické podmínky v interiéru, zejména obsah CO2 je zde nižší, relativní vlhkost prostředí je vyšší v porovnání s učebnou bez zelené stěny, což má vliv na zdraví a pohodu studentů i učitelů, což dokazují i výsledky ankety.

In recent years, many researchers have addressed the issue of interior climate and how it affects human health. Investigations performed at schools and office buildings have found that CO2 concentrations often exceed the limit value of 1500 ppm given in Decree No. 20/2012 Coll., on technical requirements for buildings. In addition, interior space often exhibits very low relative humidity. This results in poor conditions that are detrimental to human health and not conducive to studying and work. One means of improving the interior microclimate is implementing green walls. These walls can help generate a much better climate and greatly enhance the mental well-being of the inhabitants. In addition, they greatly improve dust levels and acoustics in the room. The research compared the interior conditions in two classrooms at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology. One had a green wall installed while the other was in its original configuration. CO2 concentration, temperature, and relative humidity were measured. A survey was conducted to assess the influence of the green wall on students and teachers (mental well-being, efficiency, productivity, creativity, etc.). Results obtained thus far show that the room with the green wall provides far better interior conditions, mainly in terms of lower CO2 concentration and higher relative humidity, improving students’ and teachers’ mood and health (as confirmed by the survey as well)., V posledních letech se často řeší otázka podmínek prostředí v interiéru, které mají významný vliv na lidské zdraví. Při provedených průzkumech ve školních zařízeních a administrativních budovách bylo často zjištěno, že koncentrace oxidu uhličitého velmi často převyšoval limitní hodnotu 1500 ppm dle vyhlášky č. 20/2012 Sb., o technických požadavcích na stavby. Dále velmi často byla v interiérech stanovena velmi nízká relativní vlhkost. Z tohoto důvodu pak dochází ke zhoršení podmínek pro studium, práci, která má také negativní dopad na lidské zdraví. Jedním z řešení pro zlepšení mikroklimatických podmínek v interiéru může být aplikace zelených vertikálních stěn. Tyto stěny vytváří v interiéru vhodné klimatické podmínky a mají významný vliv na duševní pohodu lidí, kteří v interiéru pobývají. Dále významně ovlivňují prašnost a akustické podmínky v místnosti. V rámci výzkumných prací bylo provedeno porovnání podmínek prostředí interiérů dvou učeben na Fakultě stavební, Vysokého učení technického. V jedné učebně byla provedena aplikace zelené stěny a druhá byla ponechána v původním stavu. Bylo provedeno měření koncentrace CO2, O2, dále stanovení teploty a relativní vlhkosti. Pro zjištění vlivu zelené stěny na samotné studenty a učitele (psychická pohoda; efektivita, produktivita, kreativita práce; a další) byla vytvořena anketa. Na základě průběžných výsledků měření lze konstatovat, že učebna se zelenými prvky poskytuje významně lepší mikroklimatické podmínky v interiéru, zejména obsah CO2 je zde nižší, relativní vlhkost prostředí je vyšší v porovnání s učebnou bez zelené stěny, což má vliv na zdraví a pohodu studentů i učitelů, což dokazují i výsledky ankety.

Rapidly expanding urban developments are having an inverse relationship on the surrounding urban environment. Facades and the materials that they are composed of can have a large impact on the warming of urban microclimates. By reducing or cooling the external surfaces of a facade a building maybe able to offset its contribution to the urban heat island effect. The thesis will help quantify the theoretical impact that this new living facade system can have on external surface temperatures. However, because this is a new facade technique, developing the facade design will also generate the guidelines needed to achieve a bioreceptive urban facade. The resulting facade design will reveal insights and discover the limitations of such an application into urban environments., Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Building Technology

The construction, operation and maintenance of buildings consume more than 40% of primary energy in most countries. Out of this 40%, a large portion is related to the operational phase involving heat losses through a buildings envelope. To reduce this loss, several materials have been developed to reduce the thermal transmittance through a façade, even though they carry a heavy environmental burden. Furthermore, the unregulated and rapid expansion of urban environments led to a considerable amount of problems. Among them, the urban heat island effect demands special attention as it has been responsible for an increase of the energy consumption to higher mortality rates. In part, the use of materials with high thermal admittance is responsible for these effects. Vertical green systems have shown to be a potential solution to improve, among others, the thermal demands of buildings and to mitigate the urban heat island effect. However, due to the uncertainty associated with their design process and operation, the implementation of vegetation as a construction material in an urban setting is often overlooked. Therefore, an in-depth study of their performance under different configurations and climate conditions is needed. The optimization study was based on the parametrization of a green façade and a living wall system which aimed to identify their response under variable initial conditions. A analysis of the essential parameters in the vegetation model was performed. Consequently, the leaf area index showed the highest effect, followed by the substrate thickness, leaf angle distribution, leaf surface albedo and finally by the moisture content of the substrate layer. Furthermore, a state-of-the-art computational work flow was developed through the integration of ENVI_met, Rhino/Grasshopper and modeFRONTIER, in combination with Python 3 scripting, to evaluate the performance of vertical greenery systems. The evaluation focused on the heat transmission through t, Civil Engineering | Building Engineering

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster permitirá aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en el Máster Universitario en Tecnologías Energéticas para el Desarrollo Sostenible, así como afianzar lo aprendido en el Grado en Ingeniería de la Energía. El proyecto tratará el análisis del impacto de Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (NBS) sobre el consumo energético de los edificios, mediante el empleo de un software de simulación energética de edificios en el cual se modificarán aspectos como la caracterización constructiva del edificio, el análisis del efecto de las sombras, la caracterización de equipos de climatización, iluminación¿ y la introducción de horarios de usos y temperaturas de confort. Estudiándose la calibración de los datos del proyecto mediante las medidas experimentales de la temperatura exterior de la superficie de los muros. De tal forma, se evaluará a partir de un caso base el efecto del arbolado circundante al edificio y/o el efecto de un muro vegetal, presentando una especial atención al uso de diferentes tipologías de vegetación para seleccionar la mejor opción, además de diferentes medidas de mejora que hayan sido identificadas fruto de la simulación energética del edificio, [EN] The present Master¿s thesis will allow to apply the knowledge gathered in the Universitary Master in Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development, as well as strengthen everything learnt in the Energy Engineering Degree. The project will deal with the analysis of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) on the energy consumption of buildings, through the use of an energy simulation software which will modify aspects like the constructive characterization of the building, the analysis of shading effects, characterization of air conditioning equipment, lighting¿ and the introduction of use schedules and comfort temperatures. Studying the calibration of the project data using the experimental measurements of the exterior¿s surface temperature of the building¿s walls. In such a way, starting from a base case the effect of surrounding trees and/or the effect of a green wall will be evaluated, taking special attention on the use of different vegetation types to select the best option, in addition to several improvement measures that had been identified through the energy simulation of the building., [CA] El present Treball de Final de Màster pot permetre aplicar els coneixements adquirits al Màster Universitari en Tecnologies Energètiques per al Desenvolupament Sostenible, així como refermar lo que s’ha aprés en el Grau en Enginyeria de l’Energia. El projecte tractarà l’anàlisi de l’impacte de Solucions Basades en la Natura (NBS) sobre el consum energètic dels edificis, mitjançant l’ús d’un software de simulació energètica de edificis en el qual es modificaran aspectes com la caracterització constructiva de l’edifici, l’anàlisi de l’efecte de les ombres, la caracterització d’equips de climatització, il·luminació… i la introducció d’horaris d’ús i temperatures de confort. Estudiant el calibratge de les dades del projecte mitjançant la realització de mesures experimentals de la temperatura exterior de la superfície dels murs De tal forma, s’avaluarà a partir d’un cas base l’efecte de l’arbrat circumdant a l’edifici i/o l’efecte d’un mur vegetal, presentant una especial atenció a l’ús de diferents tipologies de vegetació per seleccionar la millor opció, a més de diferents mesures de millora que hagin estat identificades fruit de la simulació energètica de l’edifici.

Màster universitari en Disseny -- Contemporary Design, En las páginas posteriores de este documento se expone el diseño y prototipado de una pared vegetal modular para depuración de aguas grises. La necesidad de preservar los alcornocales en Europa pone en marcha estudios de utilización del corcho como material de filtrado de aguas residuales, los cuales sostienen que aumentaría la eliminación de algunos de los compuestos de estas aguas en un 90%. En consecuencia, surge el proyecto europeo Life Ecorkwaste cuyo objetivo principal es el aprovechamiento del corcho que es extraído de los alcornoques y que no resulta apto para ser usado en la industria agroalimentaria. Este proyecto tiene como objetivo la preservación de la biodiversidad de estos bosques junto con el tratamiento de aguas residuales, el reciclaje y la reutilización de aguas mediante el diseño de una pared vegetal modular cuyo material de filtrado sea el corcho. El desarrollo de este proyecto permitirá la validación del sistema propuesto por el proyecto Life Ecorkwaste así como su extrapolación a las áreas urbanas donde los jardines verticales se están posicionando como espacios verdes alternativos. El diseño proyectado se basa en elementos modulares de fàcil implementación y se espera sea puesto en marcha en el ámbito industrial. Una vez sea validado, se podrá implementar en el ámbito doméstico y público contribuyendo a la creación de núcleos urbanos más sostenibles., A les pàgines posteriors d'aquest document s'exposa el disseny i prototipatge d'una paret vegetal modular per a la depuració d'aigües grises. La necessitat de preservar les ureres a Europa engega estudis d'utilització del suro com a material de filtrat d'aigües residuals, els quals sostenen que augmentaria l'eliminació d'alguns dels compostos d'aquestes aigües en un 90%. En conseqüència, sorgeix el projecte europeu Life Ecorkwaste el qual te com a objectiu principal l'aprofitament del suro que és extret de les sureres i que no resulta apte per ser usat en la indústria agroalimentària. Aquest projecte té com a objectiu la preservació de la biodiversitat d'aquests boscos juntament amb el tractament d'aigües residuals, el reciclatge i la reutilització d'aigües mitjançant el disseny d'una paret vegetal modular en la qual el material filtratge sigui el suro. El desenvolupament d'aquest projecte permetrà la validació del sistema proposat pel projecte Life Ecorkwaste així com la seva extrapolació a les àrees urbanes on els jardins verticals s'estan posicionant com a espais verds alternatius. El disseny projectat es basa en elements modulars de fàcil implementació i s'espera que sigui engegat en l'àmbit industrial. Una vegada sigui validat, es podrà implementar en l'àmbit domèstic i públic, contribuint a la creació de nuclis urbans més sostenibles., In the folowing pages of this document, the design and prototyping of a modular vegetal wall for gray water treatment is exposed. The need to preserve cork oak forests in Europe starts up studies around the use of cork as wastewater filtering material, these studies maintain that it would increase the elimination of some of the compounds of this water by 90%. As a result, the European project Life Ecorkwaste has emerged, the main objective is to take advantage of the cork that is extracted from the cork oaks and that is not suitable for use in the agri-food industry. The objective of this project is the preservation of the biodiversity of these forests together with the treatment of wastewater, recycling and water reuse through the design of a modular vegetal wall whose filtering material is cork. The development of this project will allow the validation of the system proposed by the Life Ecorkwaste project as well as its extrapolation to urban areas where vertical gardens are positioning themselves as alternative green spaces. The projected design is based on modular elements with an easy installation and is expected to be working in the industrial fiel. Once validated, it could be implemented in the domestic and public area, contributing to the creation of more sustainable urban centers.

[ES] El presente Trabajo Fin de Máster permitirá aplicar los conocimientos adquiridos en el Máster Universitario en Tecnologías Energéticas para el Desarrollo Sostenible, así como afianzar lo aprendido en el Grado en Ingeniería de la Energía. El proyecto tratará el análisis del impacto de Soluciones Basadas en la Naturaleza (NBS) sobre el consumo energético de los edificios, mediante el empleo de un software de simulación energética de edificios en el cual se modificarán aspectos como la caracterización constructiva del edificio, el análisis del efecto de las sombras, la caracterización de equipos de climatización, iluminación¿ y la introducción de horarios de usos y temperaturas de confort. Estudiándose la calibración de los datos del proyecto mediante las medidas experimentales de la temperatura exterior de la superficie de los muros. De tal forma, se evaluará a partir de un caso base el efecto del arbolado circundante al edificio y/o el efecto de un muro vegetal, presentando una especial atención al uso de diferentes tipologías de vegetación para seleccionar la mejor opción, además de diferentes medidas de mejora que hayan sido identificadas fruto de la simulación energética del edificio, [EN] The present Master¿s thesis will allow to apply the knowledge gathered in the Universitary Master in Energy Technologies for Sustainable Development, as well as strengthen everything learnt in the Energy Engineering Degree. The project will deal with the analysis of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) on the energy consumption of buildings, through the use of an energy simulation software which will modify aspects like the constructive characterization of the building, the analysis of shading effects, characterization of air conditioning equipment, lighting¿ and the introduction of use schedules and comfort temperatures. Studying the calibration of the project data using the experimental measurements of the exterior¿s surface temperature of the building¿s walls. In such a way, starting from a base case the effect of surrounding trees and/or the effect of a green wall will be evaluated, taking special attention on the use of different vegetation types to select the best option, in addition to several improvement measures that had been identified through the energy simulation of the building., [CA] El present Treball de Final de Màster pot permetre aplicar els coneixements adquirits al Màster Universitari en Tecnologies Energètiques per al Desenvolupament Sostenible, així como refermar lo que s’ha aprés en el Grau en Enginyeria de l’Energia. El projecte tractarà l’anàlisi de l’impacte de Solucions Basades en la Natura (NBS) sobre el consum energètic dels edificis, mitjançant l’ús d’un software de simulació energètica de edificis en el qual es modificaran aspectes com la caracterització constructiva de l’edifici, l’anàlisi de l’efecte de les ombres, la caracterització d’equips de climatització, il·luminació… i la introducció d’horaris d’ús i temperatures de confort. Estudiant el calibratge de les dades del projecte mitjançant la realització de mesures experimentals de la temperatura exterior de la superfície dels murs De tal forma, s’avaluarà a partir d’un cas base l’efecte de l’arbrat circumdant a l’edifici i/o l’efecte d’un mur vegetal, presentant una especial atenció a l’ús de diferents tipologies de vegetació per seleccionar la millor opció, a més de diferents mesures de millora que hagin estat identificades fruit de la simulació energètica de l’edifici.

Forest restoration is carried out with varying objectives in mind, one of which is biodiversity conservation. The present study examines the extent by which tree biodiversity could potentially be maximized in the context of the pan-African Great Green Wall for the Sahara and the Sahel Initiative (GGW). Towards this end, ten indigenous tree species were selected for study in the Ferlo region in Northern Senegal based on previous ethnobotanical studies in the zone. The species included Acacia senegal, Acacia nilotica, Acacia tortilis subsp. raddiana, Acacia seyal, Adansonia digitata, Balanites aegyptiaca, Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus mauritiana. Germination experiments were first performed in the laboratory on seed lots from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and South Africa prior to in situ sapling production in the nursery in Northern Senegal situated along the GGW. A split plot field design was employed and the effects of seed provenance (two per species) and the addition of organic fertilizer at the timing of planting were determined. Over the course of the 2 year experimental period, the newly planted trees, in addition to the naturally regenerating woody vegetation and herbaceous grasses were monitored in the fenced-in experimental field plot. Of the ten species, only B. aegyptiaca, A. tortilis subsp. raddiana, and S. birrea exhibited moderate survival rates. The effects of provenance and fertilizer addition were sporadic and species-dependent. Natural regeneration of woody species was abundant albeit characterized by low biodiversity whereas herbaceous grass species showed extensive biodiversity, especially under tree canopies as compared to open areas.

Green walls are increasingly being considered as a suitable greywater treatment technology. Nevertheless, until now there have been no clear recommendations for the use of effective lightweight media in greywater treating green walls. Previous studies of potentially suitable growing media have suggested that a combination of perlite and coco coir might be the most effective for these novel systems. However, there is no clear understanding of what proportion of perlite and coir should be used and how different mixes would affect greywater treatment. This work tested the hydraulic and pollutant removal performance of six different perlite and coco coir media mixes in an unvegetated column experiment. The results suggested that there is a point between 2:1 and 3:1 ratios of perlite to coir where the infiltration rate significantly increases, as the result of perlite dominance. As the infiltration rate increases, the mix gets less prone to clogging, but this negatively affects pollutant removal performance, with insufficient time for biological processes. We therefore optimised the mix for effective long-term treatment of total suspended solids, total nitrogen, chemical oxygen demand and Escherichia coli. Unfortunately, total phosphorus removal from greywater was limited for all tested mixes. This study also showed that attention should be given to greywater inflow dynamics and expected daily water treatment capacity; e.g. systems with a lower hydraulic loading were able to use greater proportion of coir in the mix achieving greater water treatment performance, while systems with higher hydraulic loadings require faster flowing mixes with lower coir proportion.

Altering the surface cover of an area causes the change in the environment. By erecting buildings change in the flow of energy and matter through the urban ecosystems occurs creating multiple environmental problems. Built areas exert considerable influence over their local climate, amplifying problems such as heat waves, air pollution, and flooding. Greening the building envelope these problems can be partially mitigated. By combining nature and built areas in their designs, architects and urban planners can respond to these serious human health and welfare issues and restore the environmental quality of dense urban areas. Green living systems are not the only solution for new designs. Retrofitting existing buildings by altering the buildings' surficial properties can reduce buildings' energy consumption in case of older buildings with poor existing insulation. Implementation of green living systems in the building envelope, greening horizontal surfaces with intensive and extensive green roofs or using vegetation in vertical greening systems for façades, is a strategy that provides ecological, economic and social benefits. This review paper presents collected evidence of effects and explores the important role that the green living systems can play in the dense urban areas. Benefits such as heat island amelioration, reduction of buildings energy consumption, air quality and indoor and outdoor comfort conditions improvement, stormwater management and improved water run-off quality, will be mainly considered. © 2018 Serbian Society of Heat Transfer Engineers.

Over the last couple of decades, climate change and energy crises have led to an increased interest in reducing the building energy consumption. To reduce the energy consumption buildings are designed airtight. This leads to the accumulation of indoor air pollutants, which are associated with multiple health and discomfort problems. Poor indoor air quality has been linked to a number of health symptoms, like headache, nausea, dizziness, irritation of eyes and breathing problems, also known as the Sick Building Syndrome. In some metropolitan areas, indoor air has been found up to 100 times more polluted than outdoor air. The negative effects of indoor air pollution are major, also given that people in industrialized nations spend an average of 80-90% of their time indoors. Air pollution is also causing an increase in the number of lung patients. Research even shows that in Europe 99,000 premature deaths were attributed to household air pollution. The negative health effects of the indoor environment have contributed to a renewed interest in green building practices. A couple of decades ago, NASA conducted a research where they found that plants could reduce indoor air pollution and have a positive effect on the indoor environment. More recent research has shown that plants also have a positive mental effect. The objective of the project is to create a healthy indoor environment for a Lung Rehabilitation Center, with the use of an active living wall.

Today it is transcendental recycling in schools can not remain apathetic to climate change, we can realize that in some primary and secondary schools are working hard recycling and in what corresponds to higher level. The Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Biotechnology (UPIBI) has carried out important actions for the separation of waste, such as the placement of containers identified with the colors for their separation, another action is the placement of water bottles to refill their bottles and reduce generation of pet. Within the UA, there is the environmental committee, in which the students who are part of this committee, have held informative days about an adequate separation of waste, but unfortunately have not been completely effective. In order to recover, potentiate and articulate the work, by incorporating the design of intelligent containers, we intend to motivate the integral and effective separation of the waste generated in UPIBI. In order to increase the recycling and use of solid waste and consequently the decrease of these According to SEMARNAT. The waste generated by a person is one kilogram of solid waste a day and in Mexico they generate just over 42 million tons of solid waste a year this amount is equivalent to 127 times the volume of the pyramid of Teotihuacán sun and 231 times the largest soccer stadium in Mexico. For this reason we must motivate the reflection on the consumerism in which we are immersed., Atualmente, é transcendental reciclar resíduos sólidos em instituições de ensino, porque você não pode ser indiferente às mudanças climáticas. Neste sentido, a Unidade Profissional Interdisciplinar de Biotecnologia tem realizado importantes ações para classificar os resíduos, como a criação de recipientes identificados com cores para sua separação ou jarros de água que são usados para encher garrafas. Dentro desta instituição, há um comitê ambiental composto por estudantes, que realizaram dias informativos sobre a maneira correta pela qual os resíduos podem ser separados, embora estes não tenham sido totalmente eficazes. Por isso, pretende-se recuperar, potencializar e articular o que já foi feito no referido comitê, através da incorporação de contêineres inteligentes que permitam motivar a separação integral e efetiva dos resíduos gerados nesta casa de estudos. O principal objetivo deste pode compactador-contêiner é aumentar a reciclagem e aproveitar os resíduos sólidos que são gerados na unidade acadêmica. De acordo com o Ministério do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, no México cerca de 42 milhões de toneladas de resíduos sólidos são produzidos por ano, o que equivale a 127 vezes o volume da pirâmide solar de Teotihuacán e 231 vezes o maior estádio de futebol. do México. Por esta razão, devemos refletir e criar consciência sobre o consumismo em que estamos imersos., En la actualidad es transcendental reciclar residuos sólidos en las instituciones educativas, pues no se puede ser indiferente ante el cambio climático. En este sentido, la Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología ha emprendido acciones importantes para clasificar residuos, como la creación de contenedores identificados con colores para su separación o garrafones de agua que son usados para rellenar botellas. Dentro de esta institución se cuenta con un comité ambiental constituido por estudiantes, los cuales han realizado jornadas informativas sobre la manera adecuada en que se pueden separare los residuos, aunque estas no han sido del todo efectivas. Por esta razón, se pretende recuperar, potencializar y articular lo trabajado en dicho comité mediante la incorporación de contenedores inteligentes que permitan motivar la separación integral y efectiva de los residuos generados en esta casa de estudios. El objetivo principal de este contenedor-compactador de latas es aumentar el reciclado y aprovechar los residuos sólidos que se generan en la unidad académica. Según la Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, en México se producen alrededor de 42 millones de toneladas de residuos sólidos al año, lo cual equivale a 127 veces el volumen de la pirámide del sol de Teotihuacán y a 231 veces el estadio de futbol más grande de México. Por este motivo, se debe reflexionar y crear conciencia sobre el consumismo en el que estamos inmersos.

Today it is transcendental recycling in schools can not remain apathetic to climate change, we can realize that in some primary and secondary schools are working hard recycling and in what corresponds to higher level. The Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Biotechnology (UPIBI) has carried out important actions for the separation of waste, such as the placement of containers identified with the colors for their separation, another action is the placement of water bottles to refill their bottles and reduce generation of pet. Within the UA, there is the environmental committee, in which the students who are part of this committee, have held informative days about an adequate separation of waste, but unfortunately have not been completely effective. In order to recover, potentiate and articulate the work, by incorporating the design of intelligent containers, we intend to motivate the integral and effective separation of the waste generated in UPIBI. In order to increase the recycling and use of solid waste and consequently the decrease of these According to SEMARNAT. The waste generated by a person is one kilogram of solid waste a day and in Mexico they generate just over 42 million tons of solid waste a year this amount is equivalent to 127 times the volume of the pyramid of Teotihuacán sun and 231 times the largest soccer stadium in Mexico. For this reason we must motivate the reflection on the consumerism in which we are immersed., Atualmente, é transcendental reciclar resíduos sólidos em instituições de ensino, porque você não pode ser indiferente às mudanças climáticas. Neste sentido, a Unidade Profissional Interdisciplinar de Biotecnologia tem realizado importantes ações para classificar os resíduos, como a criação de recipientes identificados com cores para sua separação ou jarros de água que são usados para encher garrafas. Dentro desta instituição, há um comitê ambiental composto por estudantes, que realizaram dias informativos sobre a maneira correta pela qual os resíduos podem ser separados, embora estes não tenham sido totalmente eficazes. Por isso, pretende-se recuperar, potencializar e articular o que já foi feito no referido comitê, através da incorporação de contêineres inteligentes que permitam motivar a separação integral e efetiva dos resíduos gerados nesta casa de estudos. O principal objetivo deste pode compactador-contêiner é aumentar a reciclagem e aproveitar os resíduos sólidos que são gerados na unidade acadêmica. De acordo com o Ministério do Meio Ambiente e Recursos Naturais, no México cerca de 42 milhões de toneladas de resíduos sólidos são produzidos por ano, o que equivale a 127 vezes o volume da pirâmide solar de Teotihuacán e 231 vezes o maior estádio de futebol. do México. Por esta razão, devemos refletir e criar consciência sobre o consumismo em que estamos imersos., En la actualidad es transcendental reciclar residuos sólidos en las instituciones educativas, pues no se puede ser indiferente ante el cambio climático. En este sentido, la Unidad Profesional Interdisciplinaria de Biotecnología ha emprendido acciones importantes para clasificar residuos, como la creación de contenedores identificados con colores para su separación o garrafones de agua que son usados para rellenar botellas. Dentro de esta institución se cuenta con un comité ambiental constituido por estudiantes, los cuales han realizado jornadas informativas sobre la manera adecuada en que se pueden separare los residuos, aunque estas no han sido del todo efectivas. Por esta razón, se pretende recuperar, potencializar y articular lo trabajado en dicho comité mediante la incorporación de contenedores inteligentes que permitan motivar la separación integral y efectiva de los residuos generados en esta casa de estudios. El objetivo principal de este contenedor-compactador de latas es aumentar el reciclado y aprovechar los residuos sólidos que se generan en la unidad académica. Según la Secretaría del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, en México se producen alrededor de 42 millones de toneladas de residuos sólidos al año, lo cual equivale a 127 veces el volumen de la pirámide del sol de Teotihuacán y a 231 veces el estadio de futbol más grande de México. Por este motivo, se debe reflexionar y crear conciencia sobre el consumismo en el que estamos inmersos.

Altering the surface cover of an area causes the change in the environment. By erecting buildings change in the flow of energy and matter through the urban ecosystems occurs creating multiple environmental problems. Built areas exert considerable influence over their local climate, amplifying problems such as heat waves, air pollution, and flooding. Greening the building envelope these problems can be partially mitigated. By combining nature and built areas in their designs, architects and urban planners can respond to these serious human health and welfare issues and restore the environmental quality of dense urban areas. Green living systems are not the only solution for new designs. Retrofitting existing buildings by altering the buildings' surficial properties can reduce buildings' energy consumption in case of older buildings with poor existing insulation. Implementation of green living systems in the building envelope, greening horizontal surfaces with intensive and extensive green roofs or using vegetation in vertical greening systems for façades, is a strategy that provides ecological, economic and social benefits. This review paper presents collected evidence of effects and explores the important role that the green living systems can play in the dense urban areas. Benefits such as heat island amelioration, reduction of buildings energy consumption, air quality and indoor and outdoor comfort conditions improvement, stormwater management and improved water run-off quality, will be mainly considered. © 2018 Serbian Society of Heat Transfer Engineers.