Urban Heat Islands and Mitigation Strategies - PowerPoint Presentation

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Urban Heat Islands and Mitigation Strategies

LIHEAP Webinar

May 25, 2016

Victoria Ludwig,

U.

S

. EPA Heat Island Reduction Program

Micro-scale

temperature differences between urban and rural areasUrban areas can be

2 – 22

º

F higher than rural areas

What is the Heat

Island

Effect?

What Causes the Heat Island to Form?

Reduced vegetation

Materials used to build urban infrastructure

Urban geometry

Generation of waste heat (e.g., air conditioners, engines)

Nationwide, unusually hot summer days (highs) have become more common over the last few

decadesThe occurrence of unusually hot summer nights (lows) has increased at an even faster rate. This trend indicates less “cooling off” at night

Climate

models project increases in

the frequency

, intensity, and duration of extreme

heat events in the decades

ahead

Heat islands amplify extreme heat events

Climate Change and Heat Islands

5

Heat Island Impacts

Increased energy use

5 – 10 % of summertime electricity demand

cools

heat islands

1.5 – 2.0% E demand



for every 1

º

F



in the summer

Longer peak periods; pressure on E grid; brownouts, blackouts

Air quality and

carbon pollution

Increased

greenhouse

emissions (climate change)

Increased air pollution

Increased ground-level ozone formation

Water qualityWarmer water runoff = ecological shock in waterwaysIncreased water runoff = more pollutants in waterways

5

Heat is a serious danger:

Respiratory problems

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion

Non-fatal heat stroke/sun stroke

Heat-related

mortality

Extreme

heat

is often the most deadly weather-related event in a given year (compared to hurricanes

, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc.).

Overall

, nearly 8,000 Americans suffered heat-related deaths since

1979

Peaked in 2006, a

year that was the second-hottest year on record in the U.S.

Extreme Heat and Public Health

Reducing

heat islands helps protect public health…now and in the future

Who is the Most Vulnerable?

Lower temperatures provide direct benefits to

vulnerable populations

:

Older adults,

Young

children,

P

eople with lower incomes

Outdoor workers

People with compromised health

Indirect health benefits include

better air quality

due to reduced ozone formation

More than 9% of U.S. children and nearly 8% of older adults aged 65-75 currently have asthma. Exposure to ozone can exacerbate asthma.

Incorporating heat island mitigation measures in built environment considerations offers

an opportunity to improve public health AND MORE:Trees and Vegetation: Better air quality, carbon storageGreen Roofs: Stormwater benefits, improved human comfort

Cool

Roofs

: Increased grid reliability, energy savingsCool Pavements: Lower air temperatures, public safety benefits

Smart Growth: More vegetation, less paved areas

Urban Design

Can Reduce Vulnerability

Most U.S. communities have opportunities to increase the use of trees and vegetation in their land cover to reap multiple benefits.

Strategically planting trees maximizes energy savings.BuildingsParking lotsStreets

Mitigation Strategy:

Trees & Vegetation

Decrease heat island impacts by shading roof surfaces and through evapotranspiration

Can save energy both in the summer and winter; energy savings depend on local conditions and building circumstancesCan be installed on a wide range of buildings, from industrial facilities to private residences

Mitigation Strategy:

Green Roofs

Cool roofing products are made of highly reflective

materials that can remain about 50 to 60°F cooler than traditional materials during peak summer weather.

Mitigation Strategy:

Cool Roofs

Demonstration Projects

Incentive Programs Urban Forestry and Community Tree Planting ProgramsWeatherizationOutreach and EducationAwards

Implementation through Voluntary Efforts

ProcurementResolutions

Tree and Landscape OrdinancesComprehensive Plans and Design GuidelinesZoning CodesGreen Building Programs and StandardsBuilding CodesAir Quality Requirements

Implementation through

Policy Efforts

Work with utilities and public utility commissions

Collaborate with state and local government environmental agenciesPromote energy savings benefits to developers and landlords Develop education materials in cooperation with community action groupsTalk with other state governments that have implemented heat island reduction strategies

Opportunities and Strategies

to

Consider

EPA’s Heat Island

Program

MissionThe EPA Heat Island Reduction

Program works to increase the number of programs and policies that include heat island reduction measures to create comfortable and sustainable communities.Heat Island CommunityLocal and state policymakers/program designers

Academia/researchers

Other federal agencies

Non-profit organizationsIndustry

Program Overview

Website

: Basic information on heat island topics, calendar of events, heat island newsroom, science corner and more Examples

: Database of info

on more than 75 local and

state initiatives to reduce heat islands and achieve related benefitsCompendium

of Strategies: Reducing Urban Heat Islands, provides scientific background, mitigation strategies, case studies, and links to other resources

Heat Island Basics

Trees

and Vegetation

Green RoofsWebcasts:

Cover

topics such as local/regional urban heat island case studies, new scientific findings, and specific mitigation

strategies

Newsletter

Heat Island Program Resources

Cool

Roofs

Cool Pavements

Heat Island Reduction Activities

Victoria LudwigU.S. Environmental Protection Agency

State and Local Climate and Energy Programludwig.victoria@epa.govWebsite:https://

www.epa.gov/heat-islands

Heat Island Newsletter Sign-Up:

https://

www.epa.gov/heat-islands/forms/heat-island-newsletter-signup

Contact Information