Exploring the Effectiveness of Green Wall and Roof Retrofitting Practices in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Brunei Darussalam faces sustainable challenges related to energy efficiency and environmental quality. These issues can be tackled through the implementation of bioclimatic strategies into building design and construction. Green wall and roof in buildings aimed to reduce the indoor air temperature without excessive use of mechanical cooling systems. This research aims to quantify and confirm the effectiveness of green wall and roof systems in reducing the indoor temperatures with buildings in Brunei emphasizing their contribution to sustainable environment within the local context. Results revealed that both green wall and roof showed significant reduction of indoor temperature during peak daytime periods. The green wall experiment has shown 3.5°C maximum indoor temperature reduction while green roof experiment has shown 5.4°C, both during peak daytime hours, showing maximum temperature decrease of 9.1% and 13% respectively. The indoor temperature reduction was proved to be inadequate to reach optimum comfort for building occupants and to fully eliminate the use of air conditioners. The study suggested that green infrastructure alone cannot fully mitigate the use of mechanical cooling systems, but still be able to reduce their usage. This can still lead to slight energy savings and improved energy efficiency in buildings. Green wall and roof have the potential to enhance thermal comfort and biophilic benefits in buildings, creating more pleasant indoor environments for occupants. In general, the findings of these experiments emphasize the possibility of green wall and roof as a versatile answer for enhancing indoor spaces, advancing sustainability, and improving the well-being in buildings.