“Cool Cities” at Greenbuild 2016
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An estimated 55% of the surface area in a typical city consists of roofs, streets, or parking areas. These areas are often non-reflective, very sunlight-absorbent surfaces that tend to capture heat from the sun and warm the surrounding area. Overall air temperature values of 7-10 degrees higher than the surrounding countryside are not uncommon.
Extreme heat in cities can have considerably negative effects, including everything from a reduction in educational achievement in children to a greater mortality rate for the sick and elderly Measures such as increasing the tree canopy area, creating open urban spaces, and cool roofs and parking lots can have significantly positive effects on the health and wellness of urban populations.
That’s why measures to create Cool Cities are so important, and there are a variety of measures that can be taken. With our full line of reflective roofing, roof coating, and reflective asphalt coatings, GAF is unusual in offering a full line of solutions for both roofs and parking lots.