Comfort and Energy Implications of Urban Microclimate in High Latitudes

This chapter presents the urban microclimate impact on comfort and energy demand by buildings located in high-latitude temperate regions, characterised by higher heating demand compared to cooling. It focusses on London as a case study of such a location and presents results from measurements and computational studies during the last 20 years. The relationship of surface and air UHI in high-latitude cities is first described as well as the relationship between UHI and building energy demand; results from London are used to illustrate the impact. It follows a description of urban albedo outlining contributing parameters. Modelling tools enabling the study of microclimate impact on indoor thermal conditions are then described. Recent results of a study of urban albedo in London and the application of modelling tools are presented.