This brief is presented as a synopsis of key policy issues that may either support or hinder efforts to reduce urban heat through increased green infrastructure. It highlights the need for co-ordinated efforts and identifies specific portfolio barriers and opportunities.

This guide focuses on the use of green infrastructure (GI) to mitigate urban heat. GI is an effective means to minimise heat accumulation in the urban environment as it shades hot surfaces, increases evapotranspirative cooling and modifies wind patterns The guide provides advice on spatially...

The main green infrastructure elements identified and discussed in this document are green open spaces, street trees, vertical greening and green roofs. The evidence for the extent and type of cooling provided by these different vegetation elements is presented and discussed.

This report reviews the Australian and international scientific and technical literature quantifying the cooling and energy-saving benefits of three types of green infrastructure: shade trees; green roofs; and vertical greening systems (VGS) (green walls and facades).

The aim of this study is to directly quantify the reduction in cooling loads upon external walls from the presence of deciduous exotic or evergreen native trees in a Melbourne climatic context.