Strategies to Reduce Urban Heat Islands

Outline Heat island definition, causes, and impacts Key strategies to reduce heat islands EPA’s Heat Island Reduction Initiative (HIRI) Program

UHI Definition, Causes, Impact Urban heat islands Warmer city compared to surrounding Mitigation strategies exist. So do barriers to implementation. Causes Impact energy use air quality public health Background - Basic information - launch date, program goals, history (e.g., Energy Star was initially part of HIRI) Current Status - Next Steps (see next slide) note that we’ll be translating research into user friendly tools, policy and guidance. Framework is more on working with cities to advance HI mitigation.

Key Strategies to Reduce UHI Urban vegetation Cool roofing Cool pavements

Key Strategies to Reduce UHI highly reflective surfaces roofs and pavement reflect incoming solar radiation shade trees block incoming radiation to keep buildings cooler naturally cool the surrounding air Part of behaviors hoping to change As explained in “strategic value”, also how these measures are implemented/considered Still will answer by whom and how we expect part of #4

Key Strategies Can Improve Local and Global Environment Reduce Ozone Levels Reduce VOC Emissions Reduce CO2 Reduce NOx Emissions Shade Trees & Reflective Surfaces Reduce A/C Use Reduce Air Temperature

Urban Vegetation - Benefits Energy savings Air temperature reduction Air pollution removal VOC reductions - Shading parking lots CO2 reduction Stormwater management Beautification, property value increases

Cool Roofing - Benefits Energy savings Temperature reduction Reduced air pollution and GHG emissions Indoor comfort Durability and waste minimization

Cool Pavements - Benefits Higher reflectance reduces pavement temperatures Higher reflectance reduces air temperatures Theory = cooler pavements last longer and save energy

EPA’s HIRI Program Implementation Outreach Website Conferences Conference calls Tools Heat island reduction strategies guidebook MIST Analysis

Heat Island Mitigation: Resources & Contact Info Resources EPA’s Heat Island Website: www.epa.gov/heatisland LBNL Heat Island Group: http://eetd.lbl.gov/heatisland ICLEI Heat Island Site: www.hotcities.org Contact Eva Wong (wong.eva@epa.gov) Niko Dietsch (dietsch.nikolaas@epa.gov)