Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Energy

Quantification of energy benefits is an important part of the Center's research. Healthy urban forests have the ability to cut heating and air conditioning use, resulting in reduced costs and atmospheric emissions from power plants. Tree shade reduces air temperature and the amount of radiant energy absorbed and stored by built surfaces. Additionally, trees reduce the velocity of wind, slowing the infiltration of outside air. Our research shows that properly selected, located, and managed trees can drastically reduce city and residential energy costs and lessen our reliance on new power plants.

Studies

1. EcoSMART - EnergyWise


2. Energy Effects of Urban Forests in California


3. Energy Effects of Urban Forests in Sacramento, CA


4. Guidelines for Energy Conservation and Carbon Dioxide Reductions through Urban Forestry


5. Impact of Roof Materials on Residential Cooling Loads in Tucson, AZ


6. Impacts of Tree Plantings on Climate and Residential Building Air Conditioning Use in Tucson, AZ


7. LADWP's "Trees for a Green LA" Shade Tree Program Evaluation


8. Miscellaneous Energy Literature


9. Potential energy savings in buildings by an urban tree planting programme in California


10. Shade trees as a demand-side resource


11. Shadow Pattern Simulator


12. Trees are Good, But Can They Solve the Energy Crisis?