Universität zu Köln

Aduse-Poku, Minka ORCID: 0009-0003-9923-6135 (2025). Facade Greening: Investigating the Potential of Climbing Plants for Air Pollution Mitigation and Water-Stress-Dependent Evapotranspiration. PhD thesis, Universität zu Köln.

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Abstract

Abstract Nature-based solutions such as façade greening offer a sustainable strategy to mitigate urban environmental stressors while improving urban resilience. This dissertation investigates the potential ecological functions of plant species employed for façade greening, focusing on their capacity for air pollutant absorption, water use, and water-stress responses. This thesis employs multiple experimental approaches to evaluate the performance of various climbing plant species in urban environments. It focuses on three key aspects: air pollutant absorption, evapotranspiration-based cooling potential, and responses to water stress. The study quantifies species-specific capabilities using gravimetric water loss measurements, gas exchange analysis, and stomatal characterization, offering insights into how these plants perform under diverse urban environmental conditions. Key findings indicate that Hedera helix 'Plattensee' and Hedera hibernica exhibit high evapotranspiration cooling potential, making them practical for urban heat mitigation but requiring sufficient water availability. In contrast, Lonicera henryi and Clematis montana demonstrate “water-saving strategies”, making them ideal for drought-prone urban areas. A novel methodology developed for pollutant gas absorption quantification revealed that H. helix showed the highest NO₂ uptake, whereas Wisteria sinensis excelled in a water-use experiment on a hot day (33°C). The stomatal analysis further demonstrated that stomatal type and density may affect cooling efficiency and water-stress response, indicating the possible need for extensive research to establish a trait-based species selection based on urban microclimatic needs. Beyond its experimental contributions, this thesis also explores translating scientific findings into educational frameworks, emphasizing the role of teaching environmental awareness in sustainable urban development. Furthermore, the insights derived from this research provide practical recommendations for urban planners, architects, and policymakers, ensuring that façade greening systems may be tailored to site-specific climatic conditions. By combining air pollution mitigation, water conservation, and microclimate regulation, this study reinforces the potential of façade greening as a multifunctional solution for climate-adaptive cities. The findings contribute to a broader discourse on future sustainable urban infrastructure, emphasizing the necessity of evidence-based species selection to maximize ecosystem services and improve environmental quality in rapidly urbanizing landscapes.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD thesis)
Translated title:	Title Language UNSPECIFIED English
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Aduse-Poku, Minka a.minka@yahoo.com orcid.org/0009-0003-9923-6135 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-786964
Date:	2025
Place of Publication:	KUPS
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
Divisions:	Außeruniversitäre Forschungseinrichtungen > Forschungszentrum Jülich Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Science Education > Institute of Biology Education
Subjects:	Natural sciences and mathematics Architecture
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language Climbing plants, Air pollution, Evapotranspiration, heat and Water stress English
Date of oral exam:	10 July 2025
Referee:	Name Academic Title Edelmann, Hans Georg Prof. Dr. Schneider, Karl Prof.Dr.
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/78696