Greening the urban fabric:: Contribution of green surfaces in reducing CO2 emissions

This research focuses on the potential contribution of green surfaces [green roofs and green facades] in reducing CO2 emissions as applied to the city core of Vancouver, Canada. This includes an analysis of their influence in reducing the energy demand by buildings and in food production, as well as in the capacity of greenery to trap air pollutants such as CO2. It applies the Seattle Green Factor for greening the urban fabric. The research compiles findings from previous studies on urban forest, green roofs, green walls and food production, which forms the basis of this research. From this analysis it identifies the contribution of green surfaces to the urban environment, providing specific data on the influence towards reducing CO2. Obtained data shows that the contribution towards reducing CO2 emissions of the proposed green surfaces includes a 15% reduction in CO2 generated for cooling buildings; a 3% reduction of the energy required for transporting food by growing it on green rooftops; and another 2% via CO2 uptake by the greenery. The research suggests that such green interventions could contribute significantly in reducing CO2 emissions of cities, especially by reducing the energy demand by buildings and food production. This would also contribute to a reduction in cities' fossil fuel dependency.