Investigation of microclimatic parameters and its impact on energy consumption using local
climate zone framework.
Climate change has been a serious threat to urban dwellers affecting the quality of urban living. Increasing awareness
of urban climate impacts on standard of living and comfort conditions, has urged architects/planners to consider
climate aspects in development guidelines, as urban form and functions define the microclimate parameters in urban
areas. Stewart and Oke (2012) classified the climate of urban areas into seventeen categories based on the urban
form, functions and landscape characteristics and termed it as Local climate zone (LCZ) classifications. LCZ studies are
used to analyze several urban variables such as urban heat islands, outdoor thermal comfort, building energy
consumption, health risks, air pollution, carbon emission etc. Energy consumption in buildings is determined by the
microclimate in the surrounding neighbourhood within which they are located. The microclimate in urban areas is
altered by urban elements such as building density, sky view factor, aspect ratio / built geometry, percentage of
pervious surface, vegetation cover etc. Therefore, this proposal attempts to investigate the microclimate variation in
different LCZs and their impact on the energy consumption of dwelling units. Research insights of local climate zone
characteristics and energy consumption can aid in improving the urban sustainability.
