Effects of three landscape treatments on building microclimates, and energy and water use (MLARCH)

Abstract

Vegetation near structures may reduce cooling loads in warm desert regions. This study was conducted to measure vegetation effects on warm-season energy use of three structures surrounded by different landscapes: 1) decomposed granite (rock), 2) shrubs and decomposed granite (shade), and 3) a bermudagrass lawn (grass). Surface and air temperatures, relative humidity, cooling energy and irrigation water use were measured. Actual energy use was compared to use predicted by microcomputer program MICROPAS. Vegetation resulted in cooler surfaces on most test dates. The grass treatment had lowest air temperatures for all dates. Grass and shade treatments had higher relative humidity and lower actual and predicted electrical use than the rock treatment. The shade treatment had the lowest predicted electrical use for all dates and lower utility costs (water and electricity) than grass (all dates) and rock treatments (two of three dates). Vegetation adjacent to structures had a significant effect on building energy use.