Evaluating the Influence of Urban Trees and Microclimate on Residential Energy Consumption in Dublin Neighbourhoods

Building energy consumption, a major contributor to global energy demand accounts for 34% of final energy use and 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Addressing this issue, the study explores green planning techniques to enhance urban energy efficiency without altering existing built environments. Focusing on Dublin, it examine the influence of neighbourhood characteristics, notably tree fractions, on building energy performance. Utilizing the Surface Urban Energy and Water Balance Scheme (SUEWS) for localized climate data generation and the Integrated Environmental Solutions Virtual Environment (IES VE) for energy simulations, the study provides an in-depth analysis of microclimatic impacts on heating energy requirements. The findings reveal that buildings significantly reduce wind speeds, with high-rise structures providing substantial sheltering effects. Increased tree coverage further reduces wind speeds, aligning with deciduous tree growth cycles. Both temperature and wind speed significantly affect heating needs. The presence of trees notably decreases heating demand, with houses experiencing up to a 3.1% reduction and apartments up to a 4.6% reduction in energy use. These results underscore the crucial role of urban greenery in boosting residential energy efficiency. The findings offer valuable insights for urban planners and policymakers, advocating for a synergistic blend of natural and built environments to achieve sustainable urban energy solutions.