Review and Critical Analysis of International UHI Studies

integration would make them acceptable; however, potential issues could arise with the use of
highly reflective sloped roofs which could cause glare. With regard to cool pavements the key
challenge is in quantifying and thus proving the benefits. Furthermore, some pavement users are
likely to object to highly reflective pavements if the solutions generate high glare surfaces – this
could render such technologies unacceptable. Regarding green roofs, their proven performance
capabilities in terms of energy savings, improved building insulation, storm water runoff
reduction, noise reduction, aesthetics, etc have made them highly acceptable as demonstrated by
significant uptake in cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, Japan and the UK.
Primary Barriers/Catalysts:
� Level of UHI technological development;
� UHI technology maturity;
� Suitability of existing technology to meet UHI mitigation requirements;
� Existence of associations to advocate technology;
� Availability of locally sourced raw materials to develop mitigation technology;
� Existence of practical infrastructure constraints;
� Existence of collaborative R&D efforts to develop UHI technology;
� Technical capabilities of manufacturing firms in producing the UHI technology;
� Method of costing UHI technology, initial, life‐cycle or cost benefit analysis; and
� Trust and understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of each technology by all
stakeholders.
5.5.4.4 Culture, Tradition, and Language Barriers/Catalyst
The five A’s are now examined to identify the barriers associated with the culture, traditions and
languages.
Availability: examines the existence of any cultural barriers and how they would act to hinder
the adoption of UHI mitigating technologies. The literature did not refer to culture, traditions or
language despite the importance of considering the impacts these factors can have upon the
uptake of UHI technologies and strategies.
Awareness: evaluates the key stakeholders’ knowledge of the various cultural, traditional and
linguistic barriers. For example, in Greece, the Greek islands have traditionally painted their
island houses white (for practical as well as cultural/traditional purposes) and thus cool light
colored roofing materials take precedence over dark roofing materials. Furthermore, most of the
UHI literature has been published in English, and the UHI phenomenon is experienced in
numerous communities around the world that aren’t English speaking therefore this could also
act as a barrier to UHI knowledge transfer ‐ potentially reduce the uptake of UHI mitigating
technologies in those communities. This area was also overlooked by the literature reviewed
despite the importance in understanding the market knowledge of any cultural, traditional
preferences and the associated merits upon the rate of uptake of UHI mitigation technologies.
Review and Critical Analysis of International UHI Studies
Page 104