In this article I will write how can we create greener and cooler cities with different solutions. This means architectural, technological and other opportunities and solutions which we need to take into attention to be able to create green cities with infrastructures aka greenfrastructures to make them cooler & greener.
Obviously governmental policies and city planning needs to create codes and regulations, which help those directions make them accessible for everyone. Next to this architects, developers and citizens of urban places all together need to work on a more green and cooler urban infrastructures since we all feel and see both summers and winter gets hotter and hotter.
Greenfrastructures
The word define all the different green infrastructure solutions, which can make a city or their residents life greener.
Here greenfrastructures is a network of green infrastructure elements and systems, which can make the network more effective.
Cool down cities
Why cooling down is important?
In the recent heatwaves what most of the urban residents experience in the world we might do not need to write more about this as we all understand why is that important at all.
To begin with cooling down cities and making them greener involves implementing strategies to combat the urban heat island effect and create green infrastructure around and inside the cities.
Cool Pavements
Use reflective and permeable materials for pavements and roads to minimize heat absorption and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Los Angeles’ Cool Pavement Program
For instance Los Angeles has been experimenting with cool pavement coatings on roads and parking lots to
- reduce heat absorption and
- mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Craig Shaw, the overseer of the Cool Streets initiative, which is a component of Los Angeles’ Green New Deal launched back in 2019, mentioned that the concept of cool pavement was initially introduced in the city in 2015, specifically at Balboa Park.
He explains that once the reflective coating is applied to the pavements, the temperature of individual streets can be effectively reduced by an impressive 10-12 degrees Fahrenheit to the Guardian.
Sustainable Architecture
Encourage the construction of
- eco-friendly and
- energy-efficient buildings that reduce heat gain and incorporate green design elements.
Urban Water Features
Introduce water bodies like fountains, ponds, and artificial lakes, which have a cooling effect through evaporation and help increase the overall greenery in the city.
Shade Structures
Install shade structures in public spaces, walkways, and transit stops to protect pedestrians from direct sunlight and provide cooler resting areas.
Heat-Resistant Materials
Next to the above mentioned solutions use heat-resistant construction materials for buildings and infrastructure to reduce heat absorption and minimize the heat island effect.
Sustainable Transportation
Improve
- public transportation,
- cycling infrastructure, and
- pedestrian pathways
to reduce the reliance on private vehicles and lower emissions contributing to heat.
Copenhagen’s Bicycle-Friendly Infrastructure
As we all know Copenhagen invested heavily in creating
- an extensive network of cycling paths and
- pedestrian-friendly zones, reducing the use of cars and lowering heat emissions.
Cool Pavement Coatings
Apply cool pavement coatings to existing roads and parking lots to increase reflectivity and reduce heat absorption.
Energy-Efficient Cooling Systems
Encourage the use of energy-efficient cooling systems in buildings to reduce overall energy consumption and heat emissions.
Make cities greener
Urban Greening
Increase the number of trees, parks, and green spaces throughout the city. Green infrastructure like trees provide shade, absorb heat, and release moisture through transpiration, helping to cool the urban environment.
“Million Trees NYC” Project
This initiative aimed to plant one million new trees across New York City’s five boroughs. Trees were strategically planted in parks, streets, and public spaces to help cool the city and improve air quality.
Singapore’s “City in a Garden”
Singapore is renowned for its urban greening efforts.
The city has a comprehensive plan to create green spaces, rooftop gardens, and park connectors, maximizing the presence of plants and trees throughout the urban landscape.
Green Roofs and Walls
Install green roofs and walls on buildings to add vegetation and create a cooling effect. These green surfaces help reduce the heat absorbed by buildings and improve air quality.
Tokyo’s Green Roofs and Walls
Tokyo embraced green roofs and walls in various buildings, including commercial spaces and residential complexes, to enhance the city’s greenery and reduce heat buildup.
Chicago’s Green Roof Initiative
Chicago has been encouraging the construction of green roofs on buildings through incentives and regulations. The Chicago City Hall is a famous example of a green roof that helps cool the building and the surrounding area.
Milan’s Bosco Verticale
The Bosco Verticale, or “Vertical Forest,” is a pair of residential towers in Milan, Italy, covered with more than 900 trees and over 20,000 plants.
It provides shade, absorbs CO2, and contributes to the city’s biodiversity.
Urban Agriculture
Promote
- rooftop gardens and
- community gardens
to enhance green spaces, grow food locally, and reduce the heat island effect.
Green Streets
Implement green streets with bioswales and permeable pavements that manage stormwater and reduce heat.
Urban Planning
Policy making
With the help of urban planning policy and code makers can incorporate green spaces and cooling strategies into city planning and development projects to prioritize environmental sustainability.
Here you can read examples.
Melbourne’s “Urban Forest Strategy”
Melbourne, Australia, developed an Urban Forest Strategy to increase tree canopy cover, reduce heat stress, and improve the overall livability of the city.
Madrid Río Park
Madrid transformed the area along the Manzanares River into a green space called Madrid Río Park.
The project involved
- removing a highway,
- creating new parkland, and
- adding recreational areas, providing a cooler environment for residents.
Stormwater management
Portland’s Sustainable Stormwater Management
Portland, Oregon, employs green streets with bioswales and permeable pavements to manage stormwater and reduce heat, contributing to the city’s sustainability goals.
Public Awareness and Education
Raise awareness among residents about the importance of creating urban green infrastructure and its impact on cooling the city.
In addition to this by combining all of the abobe written strategies and involving the collaboration of governments, businesses, and citizens, cities can become greener, more sustainable, and cooler places to live.
These all contibute to sustainable development and sustainability goals of the cities.