Localized residual or subgrid-scale (SGS) models are presented for use in large eddy simulation of heat and mass transport in turbulent flows. In part (1) (this paper), we discuss the SGS stress models for the velocity field. The models for the scalar field are presented in part (2). The new SGS stress closures are compared with the dynamic-Smagorinsky model (DSM) and the dynamic two-parameter mixed model (DTMM). All models are applied "locally" and their performances are assessed via both a priori and a posteriori analyses with detailed comparisons against data obtained from direct numerical simulation of homogeneous isotropic, homogeneous shear and temporal mixing layer flows. The results of a priori assessments indicate that the new closures predict the SGS stresses better than both DSM and DTMM in all simulated flows. The results of a posteriori assessments also show that the SGS stresses and the statistics of the filtered velocity are more accurately predicted with the new models. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.