06.11.2023
Reflective coating can cool the "heat island" in the city
The American roofing company GAF concluded in an experiment that reflective coating can mitigate heat in urban areas.
The GAF Cool Community Project has wrapped up its first phase in Pacoima, one of the hottest parts of Los Angeles. Here, paved roads and public spaces within a 10-block radius were covered with a special coating that reflects the sun's rays.
As a result, more than 700,000 square feet (65,032 square meters) of the district's sidewalks were coated, including in areas of playgrounds, basketball courts, parks and other public spaces. The patented coating can be applied directly over asphalt either by hand or with a sprayer. The team used brighter colors for the recreation areas and darker colors for the roads.
The main objective of the initiative was to mitigate the heat island effect that affects people living in the city. Thus, an urban "heat island" is an area in the center of a megacity characterized by higher temperatures than in the periphery.
As early as seven months after the project began, preliminary data analysis showed a 25-50% reduction in the heat island effect. The locals started using air conditioners less often and felt better. The company plans to expand the coverage area.
"We're not only aiding the environment in terms of reducing the urban heat island effect, but if we keep our cities cooler, we're reducing our carbon footprint," Jennifer Keegan, GAF Director of Construction and Roofing Research, said.
Moscow, as a large megacity, also faces the heat island effect. Since the end of the XIX century, its intensity in Moscow has increased twofold. The heat island is most pronounced in the capital during the summer, when the average temperature difference is 2.3°C. At the same time, the maximum temperature difference between the center and the periphery can reach 13.4°C in summer and 15.5°C in winter.
Unsplash / James Wainscoat / Dan Gold
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