Cool pavements—reflective coatings or additives applied to concrete and asphalt—could have an unfortunate byproduct.
New research conducted in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley examined the impact of pavements that had been mixed with a reflective additive. The finding: reflected energy from sunlight can make people walking on the pavement significantly hotter.
According to a researcher’s sensors, on a hot, dry day, a pedestrian could feel more than 7 degrees warmer on a “cool pavement,” compared to how he or she would feel on a standard blacktop. The standard dark pavement stores some of the energy and converts it into heat, while the cool pavement reflects more energy.
Studies support the notion that reflective surfaces can reduce the heat island effect by a few degrees in urban areas, but at least in the brightest times of the day, they can make people walking on them feel hotter. Since 2015, Los Angeles has covered about 50 city blocks in reflective coatings and seals, and plans to continue with this initiative.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.
Codes and Standards | Oct 6, 2021
Intl. Code Council publishes EV and building codes resource
Assists communities in setting policies for electric vehicle charging requirements.
Codes and Standards | Oct 5, 2021
Feds award $1 billion to renovate health centers
Funds will modernize existing infrastructure and cover other COVID-19-related capital needs.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
Boston City Council approves mandate for major emissions cuts for large buildings
Applies to buildings 20,000 sf or larger—about 4% of city’s buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 4, 2021
HPD Collaborative and Green Seal to align standards
Will result in expanded options for manufacturers to enhance sustainability reporting and certifications.
Codes and Standards | Sep 30, 2021
U.S. has a deficit of 5 million homes
Builders unable to keep pace with demand.
Codes and Standards | Sep 29, 2021
Mass Timber group study will compare structural round timber to glulam products and steel
Will compare costs, capabilities, and carbon impacts of structural materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 28, 2021
Massachusetts creates Commission on Clean Heat
First-of-its kind body to set targets for buildings to reduce emissions from heating fuels.
Codes and Standards | Sep 27, 2021
Commercial real estate industry faces SEC climate disclosure regulations
Risks associated with climate change would have to be revealed.
Codes and Standards | Sep 22, 2021
Group proposes Carbon Use Intensity metric for new buildings
Plan would track embedded carbon on projects.