Informed green façade selection: integrating LCA and microclimatic analysis for a dual-method approach

This study examines the greenhouse gas emissions and cooling effects of vertical greening systems, focusing on a specific use case in a residential area in Germany. The analysis incorporates a LCA to evaluate the global warming potential of construction materials and biomass within a cradle-to-cradle framework. In parallel, a microclimatic analysis employing the UTCI is conducted to assess the cooling effect and related microclimatic conditions. Results of a multi-criteria optimization reveal a trade-off between environmental impact and cooling effectiveness. The GWP varies by approximately 16% across the façade greening scenarios, while the cooling effect ranges from a median reduction of 0.04 K to 0.26 K, with maximum reductions of up to −1.95 K. No single optimal solution exists, as systems with better cooling performance typically involve higher material use and emissions. The study highlights the importance of integrating LCA and microclimatic analysis to support data-driven decision-making in sustainable urban planning.