Research by Geotab shows that the urban heat island effect can vary dramatically within the same city.
The fleet management analytics firm has released temperature gradient maps of the largest U.S. cities that take the temperature of different areas of each city. Los Angeles, at 37°F, had the most variability from the hottest to the coolest location. Seattle had the lowest variation at 6°F.
The interactive maps were created by taking hyper-local temperature readings at more than 50,000 points across America’s 20 biggest cities on the same day and time (June 21st, 2017). City centers often feel far warmer in certain areas, due to factors including paved surfaces absorbing sunshine, buildings blocking airflow, and fewer trees.
The maps could be a reference for determining which areas of a city would most benefit from cool roofs, more trees, and other environmental cooling strategies.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
USGBC and BRE form partnership
Two green standards groups will collaborate on standards, platforms, and research.
Codes and Standards | Nov 29, 2018
Parking garages in N.Y. State will have to be inspected every three years
Professional engineer must assess conditions.
Codes and Standards | Nov 28, 2018
To build water-efficient cities, water managers and urban planners must coordinate better
Lack of time and resources, and practitioners not in habit of working together hamper efforts.
Codes and Standards | Nov 27, 2018
AAMA updates specification for roller assemblies in sliding doors, and lift and slide doors
Last update was in 2015.
Codes and Standards | Nov 26, 2018
All LEED-certified buildings eligible for LEED recertification
Projects must submit 12 months of data demonstrating continued or improved performance.
Codes and Standards | Nov 20, 2018
OSHA publishes updates to crane operator certification requirements
Long-delayed rules accept certifications by type or type and capacity.
Codes and Standards | Nov 19, 2018
Guide offers understanding of elements that create successful multi-floor communal spaces
CTBUH technical document analyzes how to approach tall urban habitat.
Codes and Standards | Nov 16, 2018
2018 International Green Construction Code released
Updated version helps governments streamline code development and adoption.
Codes and Standards | Nov 15, 2018
New versions of DOE’s EnergyPlus engine and the OpenStudio software development kit released
New offerings resolve over 70 bugs and offer new features.
Codes and Standards | Nov 14, 2018
Obsolete safety standards may have been used in cleanup of former naval shipyard
San Francisco redevelopment site work may have been racked by fraud.