Green Facades Show Significant Energy-Saving Potential for Rural Buildings in Northern China

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted by researchers at UCSI University in Malaysia has revealed the energy-saving potential of green facades for rural houses in northern China. The study, published in the Engineering Proceedings journal, involved comparative experiments and software simulations to assess the effectiveness of green facades in reducing energy consumption. The results showed that the reference room consumed 1.84 times more electricity than the vertical greenery room, resulting in a 45.75% energy saving.

The study, led by Sun Qi, found that the energy-saving rate of rural houses in northern China after green facade retrofitting was significant, with a 14.94% reduction in energy consumption. Additionally, the study revealed that 713.32 KWh of electricity could be saved in the whole cooling period. The researchers concluded that green facades have the potential to greatly improve the energy efficiency of rural buildings in northern China.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that green facades can reduce energy consumption by up to 45.75% in rural houses in northern China.
  • The energy-saving rate of rural houses in northern China after green facade retrofitting was found to be 14.94%.
  • The study revealed that 713.32 KWh of electricity could be saved in the whole cooling period.
  • The researchers used comparative experiments and software simulations to assess the effectiveness of green facades.
  • The study was conducted by researchers at UCSI University in Malaysia, led by Sun Qi.
  • The study was published in the Engineering Proceedings journal.

Statistics:

  • 1.84 times more electricity was consumed by the reference room compared to the vertical greenery room.
  • 45.75% energy saving was achieved through the use of green facades.
  • 14.94% energy consumption reduction was observed in rural houses in northern China after green facade retrofitting.
  • 713.32 KWh of electricity could be saved in the whole cooling period.
  • The study involved comparative experiments and software simulations.

Sources:

  • Experiment and Simulation-Based Study of Energy Efficiency of Green Facade Retrofit of Existing Buildings in Rural Northern China. Engineering Proceedings, 2025,84(1):93.
  • Sun Qi, School of Architecture and Design, Faculty of Engineering, Technology and Built Environment, UCSI University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia.
  • Nangkula Utaberta, Allen Lau Khin Kiet, additional authors of the study.
  • China Weekly News. July 8, 2025; p 759.
  • doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/engproc2025084093 (https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2025084093)