A green infrastructure typology matrix to support urban microclimate studies

This paper proposes a typology to classify green infrastructure (GI) from a climatological perspective. This standardised classification scheme requires the logical division of GI features into vegetation layers, ground surfaces and building structures that are disaggregated into classes and sub-classes. These are combined in a double-entry matrix to generate different typologies commonly recognised as (a) tree canopy, (b) green open spaces, (c) green roofs and (d) vertical greenery systems. The new typology will facilitate the analysis of the thermal profiles of GI at different scales and locations, providing researchers with a more robust protocol to evaluate, compare and report their results.