As urban centers face mounting pressure from rising temperatures and dense development, the need for sustainable cooling solutions has never been more urgent. Urban cooling with facade greening is emerging as a powerful response—and Senzemo is leading the way.
Guided by our co-founder, Dr. Tomaž Šuklje, Senzemo pioneers facade greening systems (FG) that cool buildings, improve energy efficiency, and make cities more resilient against climate change.
Understanding the Impact of Facade Greening
Facade greening is far more than an aesthetic enhancement to urban architecture. In fact, it serves as a multi-functional tool for addressing several pressing issues in city environments, including the following:
Urban Heat Island Mitigation:
By adding vegetation to vertical surfaces, FG systems cool urban areas through natural processes like shading and evapotranspiration—significantly reducing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.
Energy Efficiency Gains:
FG systems help reduce the energy needed to cool buildings. This means lower utility bills and a reduced carbon footprint—especially valuable as energy demand spikes in summer.
Indoor Comfort & Wellbeing:
Facade greening moderates interior temperatures, helping vulnerable populations stay cool during heatwaves and extreme weather events.
Facade greening should become a cornerstone of sustainable urban development in the future.
Senzemo’s Contribution to Advanced FG Solutions
Dr. Tomaž Šuklje and the Senzemo team have developed and validated sophisticated numerical models to assess the energy-saving potential of FG across diverse building types and climatic conditions. The study “Modelling the Cooling Energy Saving Potential of Facade Greening in Summer for a Set of Building Typologies in Mid-Latitudes” underscores our scientific approach. Here’s a detailed look at the research:
Key Findings from the Study
- Temperature Reductions:
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Up to 17°C cooler exterior wall temperatures from FG
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Up to 2.9°C lower interior wall temperatures from FG
- Southern walls show the highest cooling impact during the day, while western walls experience cooling benefits in the evening
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- Energy Savings:
- Savings range between 2 to 16 kWh/m², depending on building structure and insulation
- Buildings with lower thermal inertia benefit most significantly, well-insulated structures also see notable savings
- Versatile Application Across Building Types:
- Tested on commercial halls, residential buildings, prefabricated panel constructions, and historic Wilhelmine-era buildings
- Retrofit potential varies, but FG consistently shows performance boosts
- Seasonal and Climatic Adaptability:
- Simulations in Ljubljana and Berlin show effectiveness in different mid-latitude climates, showcasing its broad applicability.
Thermoregulation is one of the most researched benefits of green walls.
Realizing Urban Sustainability with Senzemo
Senzemo’s commitment extends beyond research. Our mission is to integrate facade greening into urban planning, leveraging its potential to address climate adaptation and urban livability. We work closely with municipalities, architects, and urban planners to:
- Identify priority buildings for FG implementation.
- Develop customized FG solutions tailored to specific building typologies and climates.
- Provide open-source models and tools for scalable adoption across cities.
Looking Ahead
The climate crisis demands innovation. At Senzemo, we believe urban cooling with facade greening is not just a concept—it’s a necessary step forward. Together with cities and communities, we’re paving the way to greener, more comfortable futures.
Our co-founder, Dr. Tomaž Šuklje, at the helm, Senzemo is at the forefront of research and implementation of facade greening systems (FG) to combat urban heat stress, reduce energy consumption, and enhance urban resilience.
FULL STUDY AVAILABLE HERE: