Unintended Consequences: A Research Synthesis Examining the Use of Reflective Pavements to Mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect

摘要: Scientific, legislative, health, and municipal efforts to mitigate the storage of heat within built environment have resulted from urban island effect (UHI) - phenomenon higher temperatures in areas compared surrounding rural areas. Retrofitting surfaces with high-albedo or reflective construction materials, including pavements, is one UHI mitigation strategy that has gained popularity. This review demonstrates that, despite perceived benefits, there are substantial unintended consequences associated widespread implementation pavements. These include following: potential for increased cooling loads adjacent buildings; heating demands during cold weather; roadway snow ice buildup winter months; reduction precipitation, runoff, soil water content; adverse human health impacts. While surface temperature roofs been documented reduce summertime building energy requirements, regards fewer studies independently. Studies showing offsetting global warming carbon dioxide emissions through deployment pavements uncertain results, upon review, a number field modeling revealed no discernible difference above-surface air over sizeable differing albedos (while can be an on temperature). Even further, it was found these increase nearby walls buildings caused by reflected radiation which increases discomfort pedestrians, as well load environment. The harmful ultra-violet (UV) glare implications and, such, require special consideration. presents results cast doubt idea overall savings will achieved large-scale Due redirected solar radiation, specification highly premature without further investigation.