New NRMCA Publication Now Available: Concrete’s Role in Reducing Urban Heat Islands

NRMCA has published a new Concrete Sustainability Report titled CSR09: Concrete’s Role in Reducing Urban Heat Islands. Research shows that on warm summer days, the temperature in large cities can be significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas, mainly due to dark colored roofing and pavements that absorb most of the sunlight that falls on them and heating the surrounding air. This increase in air and surface temperatures results in increased energy demand for buildings, increased greenhouse gas emissions, increased air pollution, reduced human health and reduced water quality. Because of concrete’s light color and high reflectivity, using concrete for paved surfaces, along with roofing and cladding for buildings, can help reduce urban heat islands. This conclusion is based on information sourced from 28 scientifically sound research reports and journal publications authored by world renowned experts on the subject.

CSR09 is 8 pages and can be downloaded for free from www.nrmca.org/sustainability (click here to download). For more information, contact NRMCA's Lionel Lemay at LLemay@nrmca.org or 847-918-7101.