Review and Critical Analysis of International UHI Studies

5.6.2 Cool Pavement and Road Planning Issues
For retrofit, lightening could easily be incorporated into the pavement and road renewal process
which would be the responsibility of the State. No planning permission requirements would
apply unless the renewal process conflicted with an Act relating to congestion or street blocking,
if this was the case a license would have to be sought.
With the right materials and done as part of an organized renewal, lightening is no more
expensive than darker materials and some papers suggests that lighter roads and pavements
become more durable due to less ultra violet degradation and less thermal fatigue [011, 200].
These factors should make cool pavements and roads attractive to local governments and
officials.
5.6.3 Urban Green Area Planning Issues
Gill et al consider green infrastructure to be the most promising adaptation strategy and propose
that it be factored into all urban planning strategies. The mitigation measures we will be
discussing in this section are tree planting programs; grassed areas such as parks; and increased
vegetation in streets such as grasses and shrubbery [010].
In Seattle, USA a Green Factor Standard was launched on all new developments in certain areas
using a score card to calculate points for the greenness of a project. More points would be
awarded for the use of larger plants, permeable paving, green roofs, preservation of trees etc and
bonuses awarded for food cultivation and rainwater harvesting. All permit applications must
apply to this standard which was achieved by amending the Commercial Zoning Requirements
within Seattle’s Neighborhood Business District Strategy [218].
In an adaptation planning exercise in Montreal, trees were the only measure that did not come up
against major stakeholder opposition, it also identified street trees in residential areas as one of
the most expensive measures [101].
Sacramento Municipal Utility District has the longest running urban tree planting program in the
US. Incepted in 1990 the program has resulted in continuous improvements in energy savings
[207].
Potential Barriers
Urban tree planting raises the issue of maintenance and may elicit public objections to viewing
restrictions, unwanted sun blockage and impacts on property prices and insurance premiums.
Trees must not interfere with utilities and tree species should be considered as some species are
more suitable for urban areas as they require less water and are better at sequestering carbon and
emit less volatile organic compounds. The Greater London Authority holds tree databases which
keeps a record of the benefits of certain tree species.
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