310
11.3 Methods
The pilot studies in Warsaw have been composed of two steps. In the fi rst step,
experimental microclimatic measurements were made in two housing estates, Koło
and Włodarzewska. They are located a similar distance from the city centre and
from the city limits. However, they differ in type, density and age of buildings as
well as in composition of green areas and the percentage of biologically vital area.
The aim of the microclimatic measurements was to assess infl uence of local space
organization on differences of UHI and perceptible thermal conditions. The results
of the measurements were compared both with the Powsin reference station and
with the city centre represented by Twarda district.
During the microclimatic research on 21 and 22 May 2013, the air temperature
and humidity, wind speed and global solar radiation were measured in two periods
of the day: early morning (5–7 a.m.) and at midday (12 p.m.–2 p.m.). The posts
were situated in various micro structures of the housing estates (Fig. 11.3a, b ). The
perceptible thermal conditions were assessed with the use of the Universal Thermal
Climate Index UTCI (Błażejczyk 2011 ; Bröde et al. 2012 ; Błażejczyk et al. 2013a , b ).
The index assesses heat stress in man caused by a complex outdoor environment
(air temperature and humidity, solar radiation and wind speed). The spatial variability (in early morning and midday hours) of air temperature and UTCI and
differences between microclimatic posts and the reference peripheral station were
analysed.
As a result of the greenery inventory, all plant species have been divided into four
classes according their allergenic potential. The classifi cation was evaluated according to the Polish Society of Allergology guidelines for diagnosis and management
of allergic diseases supported additionally by local allergists’ experience.
Class 3 – great allergenicity, frequently sensitizing species (Alder, Birch, Hazel)
Class 2 – moderate allergenicity, rare sensitizing species (Poplar, Elm, Willow,
Beech, Oak, Plane, Ash, Linden)
Class 1 – slight allergenicity, very rare sensitizing species or isolated case reports
only (Acacia, Hornbeam, Maple, Elder, Spruce, Pine, Jasmine, Ambrosia, Olive)
Class 0 – no allergenicity, species with no or unknown allergenic potential (female
cultivars of dioeciously plants from higher classes were also included in this
class due to no pollen production).
If a plant species was not mentioned in any guidelines or local allergists’ statement, the EBSCO scientifi c journal database was used to determine the potential
allergenicity of the plant. If, during the last 15 years, there had been three or more
cases or scientifi c reports published on the possibility of respiratory tract allergy
induction, the plant was classifi ed as Class 1; otherwise it was classifi ed as Class 0.
Microclimatic measurements became the basis for the second, simulation step of
the pilot studies. In this step a few scenarios of possible changes in land cover in
Włodarzewska and Twarda, which could reduce UHI, were considered. The simulations of air temperature for 4 days a year representing spring, summer, autumn and
K. Błażejczyk et al.
11.3 Methods
The pilot studies in Warsaw have been composed of two steps. In the fi rst step,
experimental microclimatic measurements were made in two housing estates, Koło
and Włodarzewska. They are located a similar distance from the city centre and
from the city limits. However, they differ in type, density and age of buildings as
well as in composition of green areas and the percentage of biologically vital area.
The aim of the microclimatic measurements was to assess infl uence of local space
organization on differences of UHI and perceptible thermal conditions. The results
of the measurements were compared both with the Powsin reference station and
with the city centre represented by Twarda district.
During the microclimatic research on 21 and 22 May 2013, the air temperature
and humidity, wind speed and global solar radiation were measured in two periods
of the day: early morning (5–7 a.m.) and at midday (12 p.m.–2 p.m.). The posts
were situated in various micro structures of the housing estates (Fig. 11.3a, b ). The
perceptible thermal conditions were assessed with the use of the Universal Thermal
Climate Index UTCI (Błażejczyk 2011 ; Bröde et al. 2012 ; Błażejczyk et al. 2013a , b ).
The index assesses heat stress in man caused by a complex outdoor environment
(air temperature and humidity, solar radiation and wind speed). The spatial variability (in early morning and midday hours) of air temperature and UTCI and
differences between microclimatic posts and the reference peripheral station were
analysed.
As a result of the greenery inventory, all plant species have been divided into four
classes according their allergenic potential. The classifi cation was evaluated according to the Polish Society of Allergology guidelines for diagnosis and management
of allergic diseases supported additionally by local allergists’ experience.
Class 3 – great allergenicity, frequently sensitizing species (Alder, Birch, Hazel)
Class 2 – moderate allergenicity, rare sensitizing species (Poplar, Elm, Willow,
Beech, Oak, Plane, Ash, Linden)
Class 1 – slight allergenicity, very rare sensitizing species or isolated case reports
only (Acacia, Hornbeam, Maple, Elder, Spruce, Pine, Jasmine, Ambrosia, Olive)
Class 0 – no allergenicity, species with no or unknown allergenic potential (female
cultivars of dioeciously plants from higher classes were also included in this
class due to no pollen production).
If a plant species was not mentioned in any guidelines or local allergists’ statement, the EBSCO scientifi c journal database was used to determine the potential
allergenicity of the plant. If, during the last 15 years, there had been three or more
cases or scientifi c reports published on the possibility of respiratory tract allergy
induction, the plant was classifi ed as Class 1; otherwise it was classifi ed as Class 0.
Microclimatic measurements became the basis for the second, simulation step of
the pilot studies. In this step a few scenarios of possible changes in land cover in
Włodarzewska and Twarda, which could reduce UHI, were considered. The simulations of air temperature for 4 days a year representing spring, summer, autumn and
K. Błażejczyk et al.