Reflective surfaces for cooler buildings and cities

Publication Type
Journal Article
Authors
DOI
10.1080/13642819908216984
Abstract

Many roofs and pavements are dark coloured. In warm and sunny climates these surfaces become hot by absorbing sunlight. This can have the undesirable consequences of increasing the heat flow into the building beneath the hot roofs, which then increases the demand for air conditioning. The hot surfaces also heat the outside air, again increasing air conditioning demand but also increasing the concentration of ozone (smog). We estimate the benefits of replacing (as part of routine maintenance) the present dark surfaces with more reflective surfaces. We conclude that it is a practical way to save energy and to reduce smog in warm climates.

Notes

Added to JabRef: 2010.04.21

Journal
Philosophical Magazine Part B
Volume
79
Year of Publication
1999
Number
9
Pagination
1457-1476
Keywords
Organizations
Research Areas
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