Energy Saving Aspects of Green Facades: Current Applications and Challenges

Abstract

One of the most effective key methods to meet today's increasing energy demands is to use resources efficiently. Especially in heating and cooling applications, notable energy savings are possible by efficient use of resources. For this purpose, insulation applications on building surfaces have been conducted for many years on a global scale. Besides, green facades are also considered to be one of the most suitable and efficient building cover technologies because of their superior benefits like energy saving, acoustic and thermal features, environmental aspects, and aesthetic appearance. Green facades are greenery media climbing over the facade, either traditionally or with special support structures. It is a highly preferred method in building coating applications, especially in recent years, but the initial installation and maintenance costs are somewhat expensive compared to traditional methods. Nevertheless, it still stands out as a cost-effective technology when its impacts on human health and environmental aspects are evaluated along with architectural features and social acceptance. Within the scope of this review, green facade systems are investigated in detail in terms of methodology, building applications, cost, challenges and potential solutions.