A review of the role of façade materials in mitigating the urban heat island

Abstract EN

This paper will aim to review the relationship between UHI and vertical urban material properties.

Several previous studies have shown that an increase in vertical density results in an increase in UHI intensity especially in the summer.

The thermal and radiative properties of vertical surfaces (or facades) are the main factors responsible for an increase in UHI intensity especially in high density areas.

Making changes to or using new advanced façade materials is proven to have an impact in mitigating the UHI.

This paper will first assess four selected different façade materials; retroreflective materials, cool materials, green facades, phase change materials, will be thoughroly discussed in terms of their properties, types and most importantly their UHI mitigation potentials.

The new different trends in finishing materials used in building facades and how they affect the UHI within an urban canyon due to their improved properties compared to traditional materials.

Secondly the study will assess the current UHI intensity in the city of Alexandria, Egypt using actual air and surface temperature site measurements and Envi-met, a simulation program.

This study can be used to increase the awareness of urban planners, designers and decision makers on the importance of the choice of finishing materials not only for their visual aspect but also on their huge impact on the microclimate of the whole city.