Urban Cooling
Urban heat mitigation is a priority for many cities that have undergone heat waves in recent years. Vegetation can help reduce the urban heat island by providing shade, modifying thermal properties of the urban fabric, and increasing cooling through evapotranspiration. This has consequences for health and wellbeing of citizens through reduced mortality and morbidity, increased comfort and productivity, and reduced need for air conditioning (A/C). The InVEST urban cooling model calculates an index of heat mitigation based on shade, evapotranspiration, and albedo, as well as distance from cooling islands (e.g. parks).
User Guide:
Key References:
Zawadzka, J. E., Harris, J. A., & Corstanje, R. (2021). Assessment of heat mitigation capacity of urban greenspaces with the use of InVEST urban cooling model, verified with day-time land surface temperature data. Landscape and Urban Planning, 214, 104163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2021.104163
Bartesaghi, C., Osmond, P., & Peters, A. (2018). Evaluating the cooling effects of green infrastructure : A systematic review of methods , indicators and data sources. Solar Energy, 166(February), 486-508. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2018.03.008
Zardo, L., Geneletti, D., Prez-soba, M., & Eupen, M. Van. (2017). Estimating the cooling capacity of green infrastructures to support urban planning. Ecosystem Services, 26, 225-235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2017.06.016
Phelan, P. E., Kaloush, K., Miner, M., Golden, J., Phelan, B., Iii, H. S., & Taylor, R. A. (2015). Urban Heat Island: Mechanisms , Implications , and Possible Remedies. Annual Review of Environment and Resources, 285-309. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-102014-021155