Smart surfaces that reduce city temperature by 3 degrees

The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Smart Surfaces Coalition have introduced three new digital tools to help cities cope with the impacts of heatwaves and climate change. Developed with support from the WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities, these tools aim to quantify the benefits of “smart surfaces” solutions (such as cool roofs, green spaces, permeable pavements, and reflective roads) in cities and provide decision-making support to local governments.

Striking results from the research

According to an assessment conducted in 10 major US cities, smart surface applications can reduce temperatures by an average of 2.8°C. This effect not only improves living comfort but also contributes to a reduction in heat stroke, alleviates health problems related to air pollution, and reduces the risk of flooding.

According to the research, these measures:

$7.6 billion in public health benefits

$3.3 billion in electricity bill savings

$9.9 billion in infrastructure cost savings

79 million tons of carbon emission reduction

It has the potential to facilitate the management of 275 billion gallons of rainwater.

If these practices spread from city centers to surrounding areas, it is estimated that economic benefits could reach 26.6 billion dollars and carbon emissions could be reduced by 246 million tons.

THREE NEW DIGITAL TOOLS

Cost-Benefit Analysis Tool: Supports decision-makers by measuring the economic returns of smart surface investments.

Decision Support Tool (DST): Thanks to the mapping system, it reveals risky areas and areas requiring priority intervention.

Smart Surfaces Policy Tracker: Provides a database that tracks approximately 2,000 policies in effect across the United States.

ATLANTA EXPERIENCE

Thanks to the "Cool Roof Ordinance," implemented with the guidance of these tools, it is projected that temperatures in some areas of Atlanta will decrease by 3.5°C. The ordinance is also projected to reduce 3.65 million tons of carbon emissions, prevent 1,000 tons of pollutants from entering the atmosphere, generate $310 million in energy savings, and generate $760 million in net economic benefits.

“A STRONG ROAD MAP FOR CITIES”

Greg Kats, CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition, said these tools are a great guide for city governments, saying, “Smart surface applications improve living conditions for vulnerable groups like the elderly, outdoor workers, and low-income communities.”

HEALTHIER AND MORE RESILIENT CITIES

According to experts, investments in smart surfaces will not only reduce the effects of climate change but will also contribute to the transformation of cities into healthier, more resilient and more equitable ones.

Source: Headline News – News Center