☀️ Reflective Pavements
Reflective pavements help reduce the urban heat island effect by using materials that reflect rather than absorb heat.
💡 Types of Pavements
- High-albedo asphalt and concrete
- Cool coatings applied on existing surfaces
- Permeable pavements that allow water infiltration
🌡️ Benefits
- Lowers surface temperature by up to 20°C
- Improves comfort for pedestrians and cyclists
- Helps reduce energy use in surrounding buildings
🛠️ Considerations
- Durability and long-term performance
- Cost-effectiveness and maintenance frequency
- Potential glare in some applications
🌍 Real-World Applications
Los Angeles has experimented with reflective coatings on streets, showing temperature drops of 10°F. Similar strategies are used in Phoenix and Tokyo.