How can landscaping improve energy efficiency in buildings?

Landscaping plays a significant role in enhancing energy efficiency in buildings primarily by providing shade and reducing heat gain. Strategically placed trees, shrubs, and other vegetation can act as natural barriers against the sun's rays, thereby cooling down the outdoor air temperature and, by extension, the surrounding building. This shade can lead to decreased reliance on air conditioning and lower energy costs during hot weather.

In urban areas, green landscaping can also help mitigate the heat island effect, where urban surfaces absorb and retain heat, contributing to higher local temperatures. By incorporating shade-producing plants, buildings can maintain a more stable internal temperature, improving comfort and reducing energy consumption.

On the other hand, increasing outdoor water usage, promoting larger lawn areas, or obstructing airflow to the building are not beneficial for energy efficiency. Excessive water use can strain local resources, larger lawns can increase maintenance and water needs, and obstructing airflow can lead to reduced ventilation and increased heat buildup in buildings, which negatively impacts energy efficiency.