GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE | HEAT ISLAND

Heat Island Effect

Other than a limited area of Vaughn’s Branch, the project area is void of tree canopy coverage leading to an increase in the heat island effect. According to the recently completed 2015 Urban Tree Canopy Assessment and Report Card, the 11th Council District meets the overall goal of 30% tree canopy coverage. The City’s overall coverage average is 5% below the target. However, the Oxford Circle area is significantly deficient in tree canopy at less than 10%, as indicated by the heat island diagram. This graphic illustrates the majority of the project area with a high to very high heat index ratio. The redevelopment design should strive to reach the goal of 30% Urban Tree Canopy.