Cooling effect of urban green spaces in Berlin (Germany): Comparative analysis of parks, cemeteries, and allotments using buffer analysis

Urban green spaces (UGS) play a central role in mitigating urban heat stress. While urban parks have been extensively studied in this context, other widespread UGS types, such as cemeteries and allotment gardens, have received comparatively less attention. This study analyzed 230 parks, 154 cemeteries, and 512 allotments in the city of Berlin (Germany) using Landsat 8 TM images over six dates to compare the cooling performance of these three urban green spaces. For each UGS, the three cooling capacity indicators, Park Cooling Distance (PCD), Park Cooling Intensity (PCI), and Park Cooling Area (PCA) were determined using buffer analysis and turning point method. Additionally, influencing factors within the sites and their surrounding built-up areas were statistically analyzed. The results show the highest mean PCD of 259 m for parks, compared to 217 m for cemeteries and 187 m for allotments, while the cemeteries demonstrate the highest mean PCI of 2.23 °C, compared to parks (2.04 °C) and allotments (1.08 °C). Vegetation cover and impervious surfaces influence PCI across all UGS, while area size and perimeter further affect PCI, particularly in parks and cemeteries. Within the PCA, vegetation and impervious surfaces remain key determinants of PCI. Cemeteries contribute to mitigating the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect similarly to parks, highlighting the relevance of considering a broader range of UGS types for urban planners and policymakers. Integrating diverse green spaces can help reduce UHI effects and improve thermal comfort, particularly in densely built areas.