Tactical Greening

Imagine walking through a city on a sweltering summer day. As the sun's rays penetrate the asphalt and buildings, they're absorbed and later released as heat, causing urban areas to warm more rapidly and reach higher temperatures compared to their surrounding rural landscapes. This localized heating, akin to an 'island' of warmth within a sea of cooler surroundings, is the essence of the UHI effect.

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More about the UHI Effect

Day and Night Temperature Dance:

The UHI effect is most pronounced during the night, creating a stark contrast between urban and rural temperatures. Urban areas retain heat accumulated during the day, causing nighttime temperatures to remain higher than they would be in the absence of urbanization. This can impact not only human comfort but also disrupt ecosystems and wildlife.

Consequences and Concerns:

The UHI effect bears significant consequences for both urban inhabitants and the environment. Elevated temperatures can amplify energy consumption as air conditioning systems work harder to cool buildings. Heat-related health issues become more prevalent, particularly among vulnerable populations. Additionally, altered temperature patterns can affect local meteorology, potentially leading to the formation of heatwaves or altering precipitation patterns.

Mitigation Strategies:

Efforts to combat the UHI effect center on enhancing urban planning and design. Incorporating green spaces, parks, and tree-lined streets can provide shade and promote natural cooling through evapotranspiration. Designing buildings with reflective or cool roofing materials and using lighter-colored surfaces can reduce heat absorption. The use of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable urban development practices can also help alleviate the UHI effect.

Usually, a development project includes the following heat & light catchment areas:

The roof of the building(s)

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Open areas

Facade

Objects (e.g cars)

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