Type: Report [PDF]
Author/Source: Austin Energy, 2009.

Urban areas are often two-to-ten degrees warmer than nearby rural areas because black topped parking lots and roofs absorb the sun's heat all day, and re-radiate at night; fewer trees means less cooling shade; and heavy energy use creates additional ambient heat. This project shows that urban heat island effects are reduced by using a combination of reflective roofing, cool paving materials, and tree cover.

Links:

• Austin Energy Efficiency Webpage
• City of Austin Urban Heat Island Mitigation Project Webpage

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