MADRID – At a time when cities are struggling with the heat and air pollution and it is becoming clear that the formation of heat islands must be prevented, a start-up from Alicante has come up with a refreshing shade solution.
SingularGreen has devised an innovative system with GreenShades. Jordi Serramia and Hugo Riquelme are the brains behind this start-up. The two saw an opportunity to use their backgrounds in architecture and landscape design to improve urban life.
How does it work?
Green Shades are shade cloths made from living plants. After a detailed study of the city facades, special anchor points are designed. These ensure that the canvases can be stretched tightly and at the same time comply with all building regulations.
Also read: Heat island effect varies considerably per Spanish city
Benefits for the city dweller
One of the biggest challenges in narrow city streets is creating greenery without taking up walking space. Green Shades solves this problem by going vertical. Not only do these screens provide much-needed shade during the hot summer months, they also significantly improve air quality.
Natural air conditioning
The plants growing on the cloths have a natural way of cooling their environment: through the evaporation of water, also known as evapotranspiration. According to the developers at SingularGreen, the system has been proven to be effective in lowering the temperature.
Contribution to sustainability
In addition to cooling, the plants also contribute to healthier air quality. They have been specially selected for their ability to absorb harmful substances such as NOX and CO2. This is a crucial step in reducing urban pollution.
Easy installation and maintenance
The fabrics are surprisingly light and easy to install, meaning they can be fitted in even the most cramped or complex urban spaces. They feature a built-in irrigation system, which is both efficient and space-saving. In winter, about 1 litre of water per square metre per day is used, while in summer this increases to about 5 litres.
Also read: Cooling demand in Spain multiplied by increasing heat
