Experimental evaluation of the thermal behavior of a green facade in the cold and warm seasons in a subtropical climate (Cwa) of México

In a world where urbanization is advancing rapidly, green facades are emerging as a promising solution to environmental challenges. These systems improve air quality, reduce indoor building temperatures, and increase vegetation in densely populated areas. This study examines the thermal performance of a green facade (GF) during winter and spring in the subtropical climate of Cuernavaca, México. An indirect green facade with the climbing plant Pyrostegia venusta was selected for its high adaptability and resistance to the region's conditions. The results showed that the green facade reduced the indoor temperature of the test cell by 5.1 °C in winter and 5.3 °C in spring. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in temperature on the interior and exterior surfaces of the wall where vegetation was present. In winter, temperatures dropped by 1.7 °C on the interior surface and 5.2 °C on the exterior surface. In spring, temperatures decreased by 1.9 °C on the interior surface and 5.8 °C on the exterior surface. Furthermore, the green facade intercepted an average of 56.4 % of solar radiation and reduced heat flux by 10.7 W/m2 in winter and 28.3 W/m2 in spring. Additionally, the cost-benefit analysis demonstrated that the system is economically viable. These findings underscore the critical role of vegetation in mitigating temperature increases within hot urban areas, thus emphasizing the potential of green facades as a sustainable strategy in urban design. •Pyrostegia venusta exhibits high adaptability in subtropical climates.•The interior temperature decreased by 5.1 °C in winter and 5.3 °C in spring.•The green facade intercepted 56.4 % of solar radiation.•Heat flux was reduced by 10.7 W/m2 in winter and 28.3 W/m2 in spring.