Given urbanization and a changing climate, extreme heat (exacerbated by the urban heat island effect) is a hazard with which many cities must increasingly grapple. In addition to human health impacts, extreme temperatures have been linked to a range of other adverse impacts, including increased energy/water use and infrastructure damage. As a result, adapting to climate change and mitigating extreme heat conditions have become critical sustainability goals for many cities. Municipalities targeting temperature reductions have begun experimenting with heat mitigating infrastructure. For example, Maricopa County in Arizona has implemented reflective asphalt coatings in certain locations with the goal of lowering urban temperatures and providing health and economic benefits to county residents. This study uses meteorological measurements in conjunction with empirical and dynamical modeling approaches to: 1) quantify the impacts of reflective asphalt coatings on surface energy balance and near-surface air temperature; (2) model the potential cooling impacts derived from large-scale application of the reflective coating across Maricopa County; and (3) estimate/compare the costs and benefits (e.g., impacts on energy and water use, human health, etc.) of the county-scale implementation of the reflective asphalt coating. Considering Maricopa County’s position as one of the hottest urban areas in the United States, the results and insights gathered from this study can serve as an exemplar for many cities that are likely to face warmer and drier conditions in the coming decades. Ultimately, this work can also help contribute to a more holistic and multi-faceted understanding of county-level heat mitigation strategies.

Track 4: Estimating the Effectiveness, Benefits, and Costs of
  Reflective Asphalt Coatings for Mitigating Extreme Heat
  in a Desert Urban Environment

To lean into ASCE’s sustainability efforts to mitigate environmental effects and use resources wisely, ASCE’s International Conferences on Sustainable Infrastructure (ICSI) 2021 will be held as a virtual event. The dates of ICSI 2021 will be December 6-10th.

Powered by the ICSI Steering Committee based in Houston, the 2021 event will bring together leaders to discuss leveraging sustainable infrastructure for resilient communities.  The program will offer content from across the globe, but have several highlights on sustainability initiatives in Houston, Texas. We hope you will join us virtually for plenary sessions, technical discussions, along with opportunities for Q&A and networking, connecting with virtual exhibitors, and to earn professional development hours.  

[Paper Proceedings](https://ascelibrary.org/doi/book/10.1061/9780784483879)

Conference DOI: https://doi.org/10.26226/m.63208d58cb3e8e001271fcc3

Track 4: Estimating the Effectiveness, Benefits, and Costs of Reflective Asphalt Coatings for Mitigating Extreme Heat in a Desert Urban Environment