University of Twente Student Theses
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Evaluation of the Local Cooling Effect of Existing Green-Blue Infrastructure in Hengelo Trough Thermal Walks
Oldak, K.M. (2025) Evaluation of the Local Cooling Effect of Existing Green-Blue Infrastructure in Hengelo Trough Thermal Walks.
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| Abstract: | As urban temperatures are on the rise with global warming and further urbanization, cities are under growing pressure to integrate effective heat mitigation measures. Recently, the municipality of Hengelo implemented several projects using green-blue infrastructure (GBI) to mitigate heat and enhance thermal comfort in urban areas. Yet, so far, no local evidence-based assessment of their real cooling performance has taken place. This bachelor thesis examined the performance of five types of GBI in the city centre of Hengelo: sparsecanopy trees, water pond, dense-canopy trees, water fountain, and green square. The chosen methodology was a thermal walk that combined quantitative data gathered with the Kestrel 5400 sensors and qualitative data from questionnaires filled in by the participants. Key findings indicated that dense-canopy trees were the most effective intervention, lowering Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) by up to 5.3 °C and having the highest comfort ratings. Sparse-canopy trees also provided substantial cooling (up to 4.1 °C decrease in WBGT) and are more feasible to plant with their lower spatial requirements and easier to implement in narrower streets of Hengelo’s city centre. The green square presented moderate cooling and mostly positive thermal comfort ratings, although, its use is spatially and financially constrained. Water features were less effective, since the sensors at the water pond recorded consistent warming effects despite positive feedback from the participants, while the water fountain recorded measurable cooling, but had low perceived comfort, as it lacked shade and surrounding vegetation. While this study provides strong indicative evidence, its conclusions are based on two thermal walks conducted under specific weather conditions and with a limited number of participants. Future studies involving more diverse groups and broader seasonal conditions would help confirm and expand upon these findings. The study concludes that the success of GBI is not just a factor of the type of infrastructure, but of context-specific integration. This study provides the municipality of Hengelo with its first localized information upon which to base future planning. It suggests that dense-canopy trees receive priority in open areas, with sparse-canopy trees serving as an acceptable alternative for smaller and narrower urban areas. Water features are only to be introduced in conjunction with vegetation and shade, and in the form of fountains rather than stagnant ponds. Green squares are most valuable where multirecreational public space usage justifies the added expense and space requirements. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | ET: Engineering Technology |
| Programme: | Civil Engineering BSc (56952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/107158 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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