Keywords

Abstract

Given the status of knowledge about the causes of urban heat islands and the effectiveness of proposed means to mitigate the unwanted effects, we discuss the materials available to effectuate improvements. We have measured the total area of trees, barren land, roofs, and pavements in several cities in order to quantify the opportunity for change. We describe the currently known roofing and paving materials with higher reflectivities; many are available at modest surcharges, if any. The use of reflective materials can be accelerated by changes in building codes or paving specifications, by government intervention, and consumer education. We review our activities in the promotion of the use of cooler materials. More research is needed to sharpen the predictions of the theory, locate and encourage the development of new materials, and to change practices in cities so they will become more efficient and livable.

Paper

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Panels of the 2002 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Buildings

Panel 1. Residential Buildings: Technologies, Design, Performance Analysis, and Building Industry Trends

Panel 2. Residential Buildings: Program Design and Implementation

Panel 3. Commercial Buildings: Technologies, Design, Performance Analysis, and Building Industry Trends

Panel 4. Commercial Buildings: Program Design and Implementation

Panel 5. Utility Issues

Panel 6. Market Transformation

Panel 7. Information and Electronic Technologies: Promises and Pitfalls

Panel 8. Human and Social Dimensions of Energy Use: Understanding Markets and Demand

Panel 9. Energy and Environmental Policy

Panel 10. Program Measurement and Evaluation