4.

2 TEMPERATURE

In this project, the temperature is measured using Infrared Thermometer

which is simple one handed operation. Data temperature in this project is playing a
big role which measures the surrounding humidity content. It is proven earlier by
scientist in abroad stating that by planting greens to the surrounding increase the
humidity content and lower down the heat. This is why in jungle the temperature is
very low and cooling compares to city which necessary to place an air conditioner to
keep cold.

A team of University of Melbourne and Monash University researchers were

trying to establish how street trees, parks, green roofs and green facades
(collectively known as green infrastructure) can interact with urban design to reduce
temperatures in cities and their results show that leafy, green streets and irrigated
open space areas were much cooler than built up urban areas without green
infrastructure.

Increasing the green cover of cities by 10% or more could help temper the
local temperature rise projected for coming decades as climate change manifests
(Gill et al. 2007). Plants cool the surface of the planet in two ways. They cool the air
by evaporating water through their leaves. They also moderate the temperature of
the ground surface by shading it from direct sunlight.

Date
2/2/15 5/2/15 8/2/15 11/2/15 14/2/15 17/2/15
Time
10 a.m.

35.4

35.2

35.0

34.0

33.7

32.5

5 p.m.

35.2

35.2

34.7

33.7

33.0

31.8

Table 4.1: Temperature Reading

Date
20/2/15

23/2/15

26/2/15

1/32/15

4/3/15

7/3/15

10 a.m.

30.3

29.0

28.0

22.5

low

14.2

5 p.m.

29.4

28.4

27.5

low

low

low

Time

Table 4.2: Temperature Reading

The temperature is measured starting from 2 nd of February 2015 until 7 th of

March 2015. The reading is not taken every day and it have gap between 3days.
This is to avoid repeated reading. The infrared thermometer is aim to specific place
and the handle is pressed to shoot the laser. From 12 times reading shown in table
4.3 and table 4.4, it is clearly stated that there
is a decrease in temperature wise.

Figure 4.3: temperature reading is taken in

the morning

Figure 4.4: temperature reading is taken in the evening

Outside temperature of the building will not affected much because the area
this project conducted is enclosed area with no proper sunlight. In the same time, it
is situated at the entrance of two departments which are fully air conditioned. So
there is no possible influence of outside temperature of the building to the reading
taken.

4.3 AIR QUALITY

Normally for plant, measurement is taken regarding oxygen level to determine

the air quality. Compare to oxygen, carbon dioxide is dangerous gas. It is stated by
scientist where the more contamination of oxygen in air, the lower the carbon dioxide
level. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses, such as sulphur
dioxide, carbon monoxide, from the air and release oxygen. Plants can help offset
the build-up of carbon dioxide in the air and reduce the greenhouse effect.

It is essential to monitor indoor air quality (IAQ) to provide for occupant health,
productivity and comfort. So, for this project, Fluke 975 Air Meter in figure 4.5 is
used to measure the carbon dioxide level for the surrounding. The Fluke 975 Air
Meter test tool raises indoor air monitoring to the next level by combining five
powerful tools in one, rugged and easy-to-use handheld device. Use the Fluke 975
to optimize HVAC ventilation settings for ASHRAE 62 recommendations, actively

monitor conditions that promote a productive environment, and quickly and

accurately address occupant comfort complaints the first time.

Figure 4.5: Fluke 975 Air Meter

The complex mixture of gases and particles in indoor spaces is difficult to

measure. However, CO2 levels, which are easy to measure, can be used in place of
other measurements to indicate IAQ. CO2 is a natural component of the
atmosphere. The amount of CO2 in an air sample is expressed as parts per million
(ppm) the number of CO2 molecules per million molecules of air.

CO2 measurements are useful to helpful in terms of determination if a building

has adequate ventilation. Outdoor CO2 levels are typically around 380 to 500 ppm.
Most CO2 meters are accurate enough to indicate if ventilation in offices and schools
is adequate. Additionally, as CO2 builds up, so do other indoor air contaminants,
which increases occupants exposures to irritating, distracting and potentially
unhealthy gases and particulates.

4.3.1 Normal CO2 Levels

The effects of increased CO2 levels on adults at good health can be summarized:

normal indoor level: 350 - 450 ppm

acceptable levels: < 600 ppm

complaints of stiffness and odours: 600 - 1000 ppm

ASHRAE and OSHA standards: 1000 ppm

general drowsiness: 1000 - 2500 ppm

adverse health effects expected: 2500 - 5000 ppm

maximum allowed concentration within a 8 hour working period: 5000 ppm

The levels above are quite normal and maximum levels may occasionally happen
from time to time.

Date

Reading
(ppm)

25/2/15

952

27/2/15

897

1/3/15

3/3/15

5/3/15

7/3/15

9/3/15

746

633

588

539

492

Table 4.3

The procedure of using Fluke 975 Air Meter is first it should be kept running
for 15miutes to get the static and accurate reading. Then, it should place in proper
area to get an accurate reading. From the table 4.3, it shows the carbon dioxide level
is decreasing and level of oxygen in the area increased. So it is proven by using this
air meter equipment. During photosynthesis plants naturally extract carbon dioxide
and exchange it with fresh oxygen.

Figure 4.6: Placing the Air Meter in the Wall

Figure 4.7: 1st Reading of Air Meter

Figure 4.8: Last Reading of Air Meter

Figure 4.9: Living Green Wall With Fluke 975 Air Meter