Increasing Urban Vegetation
Planting trees, creating parks, and installing green roofs and walls to provide shade and cool the air through evapotranspiration.
- Trees and shrubs offer direct shading, reducing surface temperatures.
- Green roofs and walls insulate buildings and lower ambient air temperatures.
- Parks and green spaces act as cool islands within urban areas.
Using Reflective Materials
Replacing dark, heat-absorbing surfaces like asphalt with reflective or cool materials for roofs, pavements, and roads.
- Cool roofs reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat.
- Light-colored pavements reduce heat storage and emission.
- Permeable pavements allow water infiltration, aiding cooling.
Enhancing Urban Design
Modifying building layouts and street orientations to improve airflow and reduce heat trapping in urban canyons.
- Strategic building placement promotes natural ventilation.
- Wider streets and varied building heights disrupt heat accumulation.
- Incorporate water features like fountains for evaporative cooling.
Reducing Anthropogenic Heat
Decreasing heat emissions from human activities such as transportation, industrial processes, and energy use in buildings.
- Promote public transit, walking, and cycling to lower vehicle emissions.
- Improve energy efficiency in buildings and industries.
- Use waste heat recovery systems to minimize excess heat release.
Implementing Policy Measures
Adopting regulations, incentives, and urban planning guidelines to mandate or encourage heat-reducing strategies.
- Zoning laws that require green spaces or reflective materials.
- Tax incentives for installing green roofs or cool pavements.
- Public awareness campaigns to educate residents on cooling practices.