Cool pavement systems as a mitigation strategy of urban heat island effect: a literature review

Abstract

The urban heat island effect is the rise of ambient temperature in urban areas due to the progressive replacement of natural surfaces. Buildings and paved surfaces are contributing most to this phenomenon as per the properties of their material. Conversely, urban heat islands have a direct influence on building occupants' comfort levels, building cooling loads and energy costs as well. Although there are existing researches on green buildings, there is a significant lack of literature on cooler paved surfaces; particularly in tropical countries. To bridge this research gap, and to explore the applicability of cooler pavement systems in search of mitigating urban heat island effect in the micro and meso level, this study was executed as a desk study based on a literature survey of environmental implications of unsustainable rapid urban development, their mitigation strategies, and where existing pavement systems stood in all this. The literature synthesis of existing work by authors from around the globe led to the discussion and analysis of the paper, and resultant further study areas. This paper compares alternative “cool” pavement systems, which are defined as pavements with improved solar reflectivity and permeability characteristics. The paper suggests how these can be used effectively in a sustainability conscious building facility, and by infrastructure developments which has a wider role of reducing local heat islands, increasing pedestrian comfort and reducing runoff water. The scope of this paper was limited to pedestrian pavements and gives reference to construction professionals who are engaged with sustainable building and infrastructure projects on their usability.