Implementing green facades: A step towards sustainable smart buildings

Abstract

As cities around the globe strive towards becoming “smart” and sustainable, the integration of green facades into smart building design has emerged as a viable solution to address several environmental challenges. This paper conducts a comprehensive review of current research and applications in green facades, analyzing their role in enhancing energy efficiency, improving indoor air quality, and contributing to overall building sustainability. The impact of green facades on reducing energy consumption, through natural insulation and shading, is explored in-depth, alongside their role in air purification and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban environments. Despite the potential of green facades, several gaps between theory and practice exist, including challenges in implementation, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness. This paper identifies these barriers and provides a robust discussion of potential solutions, which include technological innovations, policy support, and public awareness initiatives. Ultimately, the integration of green facades in smart buildings presents a significant step forward in creating sustainable urban environments, necessitating further research and action in this realm.

Impact of the Innovative Green Wall Modular Systems on the Urban Air

“…Furthermore, from the point of view of maintenance, integrating green infrastructure in high-rise buildings has special design strategies; in this case, safety concerns associated with maintaining vegetation can lead to increased maintenance costs and potential risks for maintenance personnel [26,27]. In addition, during maintenance, the health and longevity of plants in green wall systems can be affected by factors such as air pollution, limited sunlight, and extreme temperature variations [28].…”

The Intersection of Facade Engineering and Building Information Modeling: Opportunities and Challenges

“…This discipline extends beyond mere aesthetics; its alignment with sustainable practices offers avenues for innovation, as evident in the rise of green facades in smart building designs. Such innovations promise a path towards more sustainable urban development (Aung et al, 2023). Moreover, the intertwining of green facades with renewable energy technologies proffers a robust solution to the environmental quandaries exacerbated by urbanization (Htet et al, 2023).…”