Nature-Based Solutions for Urban Heat Mitigation. The Role of Green Facades at the UNIPA Campus

Abstract

Urban Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have emerged as a key strategy for enhancing urban resilience and mitigating the environmental impacts of urbanization. By leveraging natural processes, NBS contribute to temperature regulation, air quality improvement, and the overall well-being of urban populations. Among the most effective NBS for building-scale interventions are green façades, which integrate vegetative elements to reduce solar heat gain, enhance microclimatic conditions, promote biodiversity and support human health. This study investigates the role of green façades as an NBS in urban environments, with a case study at the University of Palermo. The selected site is characterized by high pedestrian flow and significant solar radiation exposure, making it a critical area for assessing the potential benefits of vegetated façades. The research methodology combines pedestrian flow analysis and solar radiation assessment to define design criteria for an optimal green façade implementation. The findings emphasize the capacity of green façades to moderate urban microclimates, enhance pedestrian thermal comfort, and contribute to sustainable urban redevelopment. By integrating vegetation into the built environment, green façades represent a scalable and multifunctional solution that aligns with broader climate adaptation strategies. This study contributes to the growing body of research on NBS-driven urban design, highlighting the relationship between user welfare and the effect on quality of indoor and outdoor spaces.