Review and Critical Analysis of International UHI Studies

Climatic Response Architect (CRA): This role is proposed to be for a researcher/architect with
understanding of building design with focus on adaptive architecture to deal with climate
change, and micro/macro scale urban phenomena. The individual(s) fulfilling this role will have
an understanding of: energy use ‐ not only as a function of the building’s physical construction,
the interface of buildings and cities between humans and climate, energy efficient building
design accounting for human behavior, comfort and patterns, and designing environmentally
responsive urban spaces to aid adaptation of urban human behavior.
Building Energy and Efficiency Expert (BEE): This role is proposed for an individual(s) with
extensive knowledge of building design its effects upon energy use, efficiency both at the micro
building scale and upon the surrounding city buildings. The individual(s) fulfilling this role will
have an understanding of: energy use ‐ as a function of the building’s physical characteristics; the
interface of buildings and cities between humans and climate; building energy modeling tools;
policies and strategies to adapt and develop new efficient building designs sensitive to final
energy use; key building technologies and their integration; building design accounting for
human behavior, comfort and patterns.
Urban Heat Island Materials Expert (UHIM): This role is proposed for an individual(s) with an
active research record with urban heat island materials and a full understanding of the
developments of all membranes, paints, roofs and pavements from a theoretical, experimental
and implementation perspective.
Urban Heat Island Technology and Strategy Specialist (UHI T/S): This role is proposed for an
individual(s) with a complete understanding across the entire urban heat island technology and
strategy spectrum. They will have a complete understanding and be active in the field of the
technical research for trees and vegetation, green roofs, cool roofs and cool pavements. They
must also have an appreciation of technical and practical barriers as well as the mass
implementation potential of these strategies/technologies.
Urban Heat Island Phenomenon Expert (UHIP): This role is proposed for an individual(s) with a
complete understanding of the key urban heat island impacts and ability to attribute them to
their root cause. This expert(s) must have the following technical research understanding: the
human impact of urbanization and industrialization upon the climate at all scales; exchange and
balance of heat, mass and momentum of evolving urban areas; the impact of UHI on air quality,
the local and macro environment and upon human health; and an appreciation for the greater
impacts of urban heat islands at the global climate scale.
Urban Planner (UP): This role is proposed for an expert with field experience in urban planning
across a broad technical and geographical scope. It is important that they understand: planning
regulations, practical and theoretical urban constraints, policy, and architect and contractor
thought process. Furthermore, they must have the capacity to address a broad range of issues
including: sustainability, pollution, congestion, and legislation; and have specific technical
understanding of the impact of urban design and topology upon the urban heat island.
Sustainable Construction Contractor (SCC): This role is proposed for a contractor with extensive
experience in developing and implementing sustainable construction solutions. They must have
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