Building Heat Elements Influencing Ground Surface Temperature in Urban Environment: A Systematic Literature Review on Recent Evidence

Abstract

Urban area worldwide is experiencing increased temperatures due to the heat generated by buildings and other anthropogenic activities, intensifying the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Notwithstanding numerous research, a methodical knowledge of how building heat elements specifically influence ground surface temperature (GST), energy consumption, and outdoor thermal comfort (OTC) remains limited. Hence, this study systematically reviews recent literature on building heat elements that affect urban thermal environments. Guided by the Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Synthesis (ROSES) and the PICo framework, a rigorous methodological approach was employed comprising systematic database searches (Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Emerald, Springer Link), thorough screening processes, quality assessment using the Mixed-Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT), data extraction, and thematic analysis utilizing NVivo software. The analysis revealed three key themes: microclimate, building characteristics, and urban attributes, which were further divided into 17 sub-themes. The findings emphasize critical factors, including high-albedo materials, optimal building designs and urban green spaces, as significant determinants of GST variations and urban thermal performance.