The Influence of Vertical Greening Systems on Building Energy Consumption and Comprehensive Carbon Emission

Vertical greening systems, in addition to enhancing the aesthetic design of building facades, contribute to energy saving and carbon reduction. This study proposes a simplified calculation method for the annual comprehensive carbon reduction potential of vertical greening systems, considering both indirect carbon reduction and direct carbon sequestration. The annual energy-saving potential of vertical greening systems was numerically simulated using EnergyPlus 9.2.0 for a typical three-story office building in four cities in different climate zones: Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming. The potential of indirect carbon reduction and that of direct carbon sequestration of the building for a full year as a result of the vertical greening system in these areas were calculated. The results show that vertical greening systems using Virginia creeper reduced annual building energy consumption by 1.2%, 3.1%, 8.7%, and 4.0% in Xi’an, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming, respectively. The impact was most significant in Guangzhou, where the air condition period was the longest. When the leaf area index is 3, the indirect carbon reduction in Guangzhou can reach 1105.45 kgCO2/a. In regions with higher summer air conditioning energy consumption, the vertical greening system exhibits better indirect carbon reduction potential. In Kunming and Guangzhou, where the growing season for creeper is longer, the system shows higher total annual carbon sequestration. In Guangzhou, the vertical greening system has the highest overall carbon reduction potential. The vertical greening system provides significant carbon reduction benefits across all climate zones and can strongly support the building industry’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.