Andross Chan: Parks may reduce energy consumption and protect cities from heat

Landscapes are not decorative elements, but infrastructure that can function as a power plant, carbon bank, and energy storage system, Andross Chan, Vice Chairman of the Asian Habitat Society, said at an event during WUF13, Report informs.

He proposed rethinking the role of designers and urbanists in shaping the urban environment, emphasizing the need to transition to the concept of a rechargeable landscape that integrates natural systems and energy infrastructure.

"Parks and open spaces should be viewed as multifunctional systems capable of simultaneously reducing building energy consumption, accumulating energy, and ensuring urban climate resilience. Specifically, water and green solutions can reduce local temperatures by 3–5°C, reducing the need for air conditioning and reducing the risk of heatstroke," he said.

Chan also noted the potential of using biomass-fallen leaves and pruned branches-to generate local energy, as well as the development of energy storage systems integrated into the urban environment.

"This allows for the use of stored energy for street lighting, water supply, and backup power for public facilities. A 'rechargeable landscape' can increase urban resilience to energy crises and climate risks, and transform the profession of landscape designers, turning them into specialists in urban energy and climate systems," he said.