Heat waves are the nationās deadliest weather hazard, accounting for one-fifth of all deaths caused by natural hazards in the U.S.
Low-income people in urban areas tend to be most vulnerable to extreme heat. These neighborhoods often have a lot of hardscape that absorbs solar radiation during the day, without many parks or trees to mitigate this effect. Some of the poorest residents do not have air conditioning. Businesses in vulnerable neighborhoods use more energy than enterprises in more affluent areas because of higher temperatures.
So, green roofs that help cool buildings and green infrastructure could be most impactful in low-income areas of cities. Other options such as vertical gardens on a buildingās exterior and white rooftops can help moderate urban temperatures, cut utility bills, and improve quality of life.
Researchers from the University of Notre Dame team identified Chicago neighborhoods that had the most to gain from green roofs by figuring out which ones had the most heat vulnerability, the greatest potential reductions in rooftop temperatures, and used the most electricity for cooling. Researchers also designed steps for urban planners to set priorities for a public effort to install green roofs.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOEās Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houstonās lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Delos and HDR will co-develop wellness design tools and collaborate on research
WELL Building Standard pioneer teams with architects to advance wellness innovations in the built environment.
Codes and Standards | Jul 5, 2018
BREEAM New Construction standard launched in U.S.
Follows successful launch ofĀ BREEAM In-Use standard.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2018
Nearly half of nonresidential construction projects now delivered by design-build
āAlternativeā method now mainstream for nonresidential, highway/street, and water/wastewater construction projects.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2018
Modular construction may be key to relieving housing crunch
May be only way to meet needs as ranks of construction workers decline.