Existing urban development approaches have created a
vicious circle – as cities densify they become ‘heat
islands’, more air conditioning and other cooling
equipment is installed, which generates more heat,
temperatures rise further, requiring more air
conditioning. According to C40 Cities, people living
in more than 970 cities around the world regularly
face temperatures above 35 °C.
Our urban greening work proves that another type of
city is possible. When
green building envelopes are
implemented at scale, significant drops in urban
temperatures and cleaner air are the result. Green
facades can be affordable, practical, and easy to
maintain. Arup is working with cities across Germany
and Melbourne, Australia to make urban greenery a
feature of government-run building projects.