This week we’ve got one of those rare occurrences in Britain – a summer heatwave. Whilst this is great if you’re in an air conditioned office or better still near a pool or the sea, for a lot of people keeping cool can become a bit of a challenge.
Using smart planting and landscaping can not only keep your offices or place of work cooler, but they can also reduce the costs of cooling and ventilation. Shading and evapotranspiration from trees can reduce surrounding air temperatures by up to 5o C.
Deciduous trees with high, spreading crowns will provide shade from sunlight in the summer but let much of it through in winter. Shorter trees willprovide shade from lower afternoon sunshine so a mix of short and tall trees could be a great solution for years to come.
Choosing the right location for trees is important – too close to buildings and the roots could cause damage, too far away and it will be a few years before they are tall enough to provide shade.
Shrubs and groundcover plants also stop the direct sun from heating the ground, keeping the air around the walls and windows of offices cooler. Another great way to stop the ground heating up is to have hedges along footpaths keeping them shaded.
To compliment planting, canopies or shade sails can also make a striking addition to external public spaces.
Here at Envirocare we can help design, deliver and maintain your outdoor spaces and help make your office or property more energy efficient at the same time.
