Green Walls as Retrofitting Measure: Influence on Energy Performance of Existing Industrial Buildings in Central Italy

Industrial buildings in Italy are currently highly energy intensive. Their old age prevents them from complying with current environmental and requirements; consequently, redevelopment initiatives should therefore be considered order to improve the overall performances of these facilities. Within this framework, research aims evaluate results achievable by introducing indirect green façades as retrofitting solutions. Starting a real case study building located central Italy, simulations were carried out using DesignBuilder, varying buildings’ geometry, dimensions windows-to-wall ratios well greenery coverage percentage. The evidence shows an appreciable potential for walls summer performance industrial buildings, they resulted reduction cooling demand during season about 14%. Moreover, external surface temperature was reduced 8 °C hottest days, ensuring higher durability components. Furthermore, indoor air design week decreased 0.6 °C. During winter season, avoid exploiting free solar gains due incident radiation, slight increase 4% occurred heating needs. For reason, implementation deciduous vegetation species evaluated Mediterranean latitudes.