Green Facade Systems as a Sustainable Solution for Urban Heat Island Mitigation in Lagos State
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Abstract
Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects intensify heat stress, energy use, and poor air quality in rapidly urbanizing cities like Lagos. This study investigates the potential of green facades as a sustainable UHI mitigation strategy through a qualitative approach involving literature review, secondary climatic data, and comparative case studies. The analysis reveals that green facades can reduce surface temperatures by 2°C–5°C through shading and evapotranspiration, lower indoor cooling demand, and improve thermal comfort and urban air quality. Additional benefits include biodiversity enhancement and energy efficiency. However, challenges such as high installation costs, plant maintenance, and limited technical expertise may hinder adoption. Opportunities lie in Lagos' evolving sustainability agenda, policy frameworks, and private-sector involvement. The study recommends integrating green facades into building codes, providing economic incentives, and promoting multi-stakeholder collaboration for maintenance. This research positions green facades as a feasible climate-adaptive solution for UHI mitigation and sustainable urban development in tropical environments like Lagos.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Tolulope A. Afolabi, Obafemi Adeniyi Ibitoye, Kalu C. Grace, Gabriel Olaoye (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Tolulope A. Afolabi, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Department of Architecture, College of Postgraduate Studies,
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Obafemi Adeniyi Ibitoye, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Department of Architecture, College of Postgraduate Studies,
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Kalu C. Grace, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Department of Architecture, College of Postgraduate Studies,
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Gabriel Olaoye, Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Department of Architecture, College of Postgraduate Studies,
Caleb University, Imota, Lagos State, Nigeria.
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