Naju-si Creates 'Green Curtains' to Reduce Cooling Energy Consumption

Published 18 Aug.2021 10:22(KST)

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Han-hyuk] Naju City, Jeollanam-do (Mayor Kang In-gyu) announced on the 18th that since last May, it has created green curtains at seven locations including the Agricultural Technology Center, Yeonggang-dong Office, and the Innovation City Park Garden as part of expanding green spaces in the urban area and reducing cooling energy consumption.

A green curtain project involves growing curtain-shaped climbing plants (such as morning glory, sword bean, bitter melon, and loofah) on building exterior walls or tunnel-shaped facilities.

It is gaining attention as an eco-friendly energy-saving project that blocks the hot solar radiation shining on building walls and windows during summer, thereby lowering indoor temperatures.

In addition to blocking light, the transpiration from photosynthesis of the plants cools the surrounding temperature and reduces fine dust.

Moreover, it delays building aging caused by ultraviolet rays (fading) and provides visitors with various seasonal visual attractions, offering excellent aesthetic effects.

Actual measurements comparing the temperature of building exterior walls showed that the surface temperature of walls with green curtains averaged 33.7℃, while walls without green curtains measured about 8℃ higher at 41.8℃.

Indoor temperatures were found to be approximately 5℃ lower due to solar radiation blocking.

Lee Jae-seung, head of the Agricultural Technology Center, said, “This project is a win-win eco-friendly energy-saving initiative that lowers building temperatures in summer and creates scenic effects. We will expand the creation of natural green spaces to respond to environmental issues such as global warming and urban heat islands.”