Methodology

Task A: Climate Data

Future temperature projection under extreme weather conditions

Global Climate Models are used for impact assessment of climate change. There is a mismatch between the spatial scales of outputs and regional impacts. This study aims to bridge the global and regional climate models and building-level application.

Downscaling of projection data using Weather Research and Forecast Model

The Weather Research and Forecasting model will then be applied for dynamical downscaling simulation of the regional climate, taking the urbanization effect into account.

Hourly data of extreme weather under future climate change

The resultant data from GCM and WRF outputs will be used to develop meteorological data for fine temporal scale for the assessment of building performance and indoor thermal comfort under extreme weather conditions.


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Task B: Built Environment

Assessment of building performance under extreme weather conditions

The latest version of the building energy (EnergyPlus) and airflow simulation software (FLUENT) will be used to evaluate the change in living environment as a result of the extreme weather as compared to the current situation.

Characterization of heat mitigation strategies for improving thermal comfort

By using the microclimate simulation tool ENVI-met, evaluation of various combinations of heat mitigation strategies in landscape to improve thermal comfort will be conducted.

Then parametric study will be carried out for different heat mitigation strategies in landscape design. The cooling potentials of HMSs in landscape from alleviating thermal stress will be quantified and characterized.

Dissemination of information to stakeholders and professionals

Workshops will be held to exchange ideas about the scientific evidence with stakeholders and identify the key issues of concern and needs.

Representatives from academia and local construction industries will be invited to participate in the discussion.

Task C: Elderly Health

Impacts of extreme weather on physical health of elderly people

This study focuses on heat-related physical health outcomes of older adults based on epidemiological studies. It aims to exam the sensitivity and vulnerability of elderly population to extreme hot weather.

Impacts of extreme weather on mental health of elderly people

Older adults aged 65 years or above from the local communities will be invited to participate in this 10-day experience sampling study.

Participants will be prompted by their tablets to fill out a short questionnaire on their current state and interpersonal situations three times a day. A temperature sensor will track the temperature and humidity of participants’ surrounding environment. In addition, a fitness tracker will track participants’ physiological states (e.g. heart rate and step count), which complements the self-reported and temperature data.

Improving the supporting services for extreme weather

After defining the thresholds of extreme hot weather for elderly people, a brief written report will be prepared for service providers. The findings of Tasks C1 and C2 and an appeal for actions will be included.