Cool Pavement
Cool pavements (reflective or high-albedo pavements) are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional pavements. They are typically made with materials that have higher solar reflectance and thermal emittance properties.
High-Albedo Pavement
Before High-albedo pavement
After High-albedo pavement
Temperatures before High-Albedo Pavement: 113.9 F
Temperatures after High-Albedo Pavement: 97.7 F
Benefits
1 / Energy
Cool pavements can lower the demand for air conditioning in buildings and reduce the "heat island" effect, resulting in less energy consumption for cooling during hot weather​ such that it...
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Lowers electricity bills
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Is less strain on the power grid
2 / Climate Issues
Urban areas tend to be significantly warmer due to the abundance of heat-absorbing surfaces. Global temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, cities are experiencing more frequent and intense heat waves. Cool pavements can help:​
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by reflecting more sunlight
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by reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the pavement
3 / Other Benefits
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Cool pavement helps create more comfortable outdoor spaces that work well with physical and social activities
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Lessen impacts of extreme heat on elderly, children, etc.
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Lowers carbon footprint in urban areas and water-saving for irrigation
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Enhances the overall resilience of cities to climate change impacts (green spaces/shade structures)