Simulation-Based Evaluation of Green Infrastructure Strategies for Urban Heat Island Mitigation using ENVI-Met

Anandhu A Nair, Agnes Boniface John, Jisna J, Rohith Krishna B,

Josna Jose, Giji Sonia

Anandhu A Nair, Department of Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Agnes Boniface John, Department of Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Jisna J, Department of Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Rohith Krishna B, Department of Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Josna Jose, Assistant Professor Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Giji Sonia, Assistant Professor Civil engineering, Bishop Jerome Institute, Kollam

Abstract:Urban areas are increasingly experiencing elevated air temperatures due to land-use variations, densely built-up areas and reduced vegetation cover. Although many previous studies have identified vegetation as a critical factor in reducing Urban Heat Island (UHI), the micro-scale effects of urban morphology, surface materials, built-up structures and vegetation distribution remain insufficiently explored in developing urban contexts. This study presents a simulation-based approach to assess the effect of green infrastructure strategies on urban microclimate conditions in a tropical urban environment. A detailed three-dimensional model of the study area is developed using ENVI-met by integrating high-resolution satellite images, geotagged field observations, and on-site measurements. Key urban features such as building geometry, surface materials, orientation of roads and bridges and vegetation distribution are accurately depicted. Meteorological inputs such as air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed from regional weather records are validated with field data. Various green cover and shading conditions are often simulated to analyse their impact on surface-air temperature and outdoor thermal comfort. The results indicate that the implementation of urban greenery effectively in mitigating urban heat stress while improving small-scale climatic scenarios. The outcomes highlight the incorporation of vegetation-based measures and shading solutions under the urban planning system to promote sustainable development in progressive urban areas.Keywords: Urban Heat Island, ENVI-met, Urban Microclimate, Green Infrastructure, Thermal Comfort, Simulation, Vegetation, Urban Planning