The Science Behind Vertical Greenery Cooling
Research conducted by the National Parks Board (NParks) at HortPark in Singapore measured the impact of vertical greenery systems on building surface temperatures. Eight vertical greenery walls were studied alongside a bare control wall using thermocouple sensors.
The findings were striking:
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Up to 12°C reduction in wall surface temperatures compared to bare walls.
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Stabilised temperature fluctuations, with green walls showing only 1°C shifts compared to 10°C shifts on bare walls.
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Shading and evapotranspiration effects, which kept substrate temperatures cooler than the control wall.
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Thermal stability, protecting façades from rapid heat gain and heat loss, thereby extending building lifespan.
These results prove that green walls are more than an aesthetic feature — they’re a climate-adaptive tool.
Real-World Applications with Vertical Green
At Vertical Green, we bring this research into practice across Southeast Asia. From commercial façades to residential projects, our vertical greenery systems:
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Reduce building surface heat and cooling loads.
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Enhance visual appeal with lush, natural designs.
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Improve comfort for occupants and surrounding communities.
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Support sustainability goals such as BCA Green Mark certification.
Benefits Beyond Cooling
Green walls deliver more than just thermal comfort:
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Energy efficiency → lower air-conditioning demand.
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Sustainability → reduced carbon footprint.
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Well-being → biophilic design improves mental health and productivity.
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Longer façade lifespan → less stress from constant heat expansion and contraction.
📌 This blogpost is adapted from our case study: “Reducing Surface Temperatures with Vertical Greenery" with insights from NParks’ HortPark Research.
A Greener Future for Southeast Asia’s Cities
As cities across Southeast Asia continue to urbanise and heat intensifies, vertical greenery stands out as a scalable, cost-effective, and sustainable solution. With science on our side and proven applications across the region, Vertical Green is committed to helping build cooler, greener, and more liveable cities.
