Sustainable Urban Design and Climate
WHAT HAS CLIMATE GOT TO DO WITH URBAN DESIGN?
Climate is only one aspect of planning, yet it can provide answers which
are not available any other way. We know that to some extent, cities
create their own climate. Studies show that when a landscape
of plants and soil gives way to one of bricks and concrete, the local climate
changes along with the scenery. Understanding how this happens can help
us to take control of the process. We can design subdivisions
so as to create the best possible urban microclimate. The result:
- a more comfortable environment,
- less energy needed for indoor comfort,
- money saved; and,
- emissions of greenhouse gases reduced!
There is a fundamental link between a city's climate and the energy consumed
there for heating and cooling.
WHY IS THE BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY INTERESTED IN URBAN
DESIGN?
Our climate data bank is a national asset which is funded by the taxpayer.
It's the Bureau's responsibility to ensure that these resources are used
to return benefits to the community. Accordingly, we invite urban designers
to make use of our climate expertise - we are here to help!
Continue with the next topic: WHAT
CITIES DO TO THE LOCAL CLIMATE.
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