For the implementation of the study, methods were used, which include the evaluation of temperature maps, the analysis of air flow and the simulation of the feeling temperature in the project of the future Panattoni Park Pilsen West III. The simulation was based on accurate site-specific climate data and evaluated four scenarios, including a status quo variant (current state without development). These scenarios made it possible to identify critical places with a higher risk of overheating and to propose specific measures to improve the microclimate.
"Light facades are used in all countries with hot summers, and it must be no different in our latitude if we want to prepare for the effects of climate change. The temperature inside a building with a dark facade can be up to 7 degrees Celsius higher. Cooling the interior space is not only economically demanding, but also inefficient due to carbon dioxide," says Pavel Sovička, managing director, Panattoni for the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
"We repeatedly carry out environmental studies on our projects, because they help us to find and implement suitable measures leading to a reduction of the impact on the environment. Specifically, the studies allow us to fully utilize the potential of wind and sun, for example during natural ventilation of the building, thereby significantly reducing operating costs," adds Pavel Fojtík, regional sustainability manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia at Panattoni.
The study confirmed that the choice of light colors for the facades of industrial buildings significantly affects the building capacity and minimizes the risk of heat island formation. The results of the simulations showed that dark facades mean up to a threefold increase in the heat island effect compared to the use of light surfaces. Light facades can reduce heat accumulation, an ability that proves essential especially during hot summer days. Dark facades, on the other hand, have a long-term accumulation of heat during summer days, and subsequently during the night the flow is not able to sufficiently ventilate the space and thus cool it down. This creates a high risk of a heat island.
In addition to the color of the facades, the surrounding greenery and its distribution, including climbing plants on the facades, also play an important role. These are most effective for this exposure and mass distribution up to a height of around 2.5 meters. Their advantage is that they reduce the perceived temperature in the immediate surroundings. The combination of light surfaces and optimally distributed vegetation can thus improve the perceived temperature, eliminate the risk of a heat island and moderate the natural cooling of the building by local flow. Facade greenery in combination with orchard treatments is thus a significant aesthetic and functional benefit.
