Sustainable Mitigation Strategies for Urban Heat Island Effects in Urban Areas

Abdul Munaf Mohamed Irfeey, Hing-Wah Chau (), Mohamed Mahusoon Fathima Sumaiya, Cheuk Yin Wai, Nitin Muttil and Elmira Jamei
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Abdul Munaf Mohamed Irfeey: Technology Stream, Advanced Level Section, Zahira College Colombo, Orabi Pasha Street, Maradana, Colombo 01000, Sri Lanka
Hing-Wah Chau: College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
Mohamed Mahusoon Fathima Sumaiya: Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda 10250, Sri Lanka
Cheuk Yin Wai: College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
Nitin Muttil: College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia
Elmira Jamei: College of Sport, Health and Engineering, Victoria University, P.O. Box 14428, Melbourne, VIC 8001, Australia

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 14, 1-26

Abstract: The globe is at a crossroads in terms of the urban heat island effect, with rising surface temperatures due to urbanization and an expanding built environment. This cause-and-effect connection may be linked to weather-related dangers, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. Urbanization and industrialization will not lead to a secure and sustainable future. Finding solutions to problems such as the heat island effect is at the forefront of scientific research and policy development. Sustainable ways to decrease urban heat island impacts are a core principle for urban planners. This literature study examines the benefits of adding green infrastructure and sustainable materials in built-up areas to reduce the urban heat island effect. Materials such as reflective street pavements, coating materials including light-colored paint, phase-change materials, color-changing paint, fluorescence paint, and energy-efficient appliances are considered sustainable materials, whereas green infrastructure like green roofs, green walls, green parking and pavements, and shaded streets are considered to mitigate the urban heat island effect. The hurdles to the widespread adoption of such practices include a lack of governmental legislation, insufficient technological development, an erroneous estimation of economic gains, and unwillingness on the part of impacted parties.

Keywords: built environment; green urban infrastructure; sustainable building materials; urban development; climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (7)

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