“Cool Cities” at Greenbuild 2016
An estimated 55% of the surface area in a typical city consists of roofs, streets, or parking areas. These areas are often non-reflective, very sunlight-absorbent surfaces that tend to capture heat from the sun and warm the surrounding area. Overall air temperature values of 7-10 degrees higher than the surrounding countryside are not uncommon.
Extreme heat in cities can have considerably negative effects, including everything from a reduction in educational achievement in children to a greater mortality rate for the sick and elderly Measures such as increasing the tree canopy area, creating open urban spaces, and cool roofs and parking lots can have significantly positive effects on the health and wellness of urban populations.
That's why measures to create Cool Cities are so important, and there are a variety of measures that can be taken. With our full line of reflective roofing, roof coating, and reflective asphalt coatings, GAF is unusual in offering a full line of solutions for both roofs and parking lots.
“Cool Cities” is also the theme of our booth this year at Greenbuild in Los Angeles. At this event - the largest green building show in the world - I will also be speaking about the topic on a panel led by Kurt Shickman of Global Cool Cities Alliance on Thursday, October 6. I'll be joined by Edith de Guzman of Tree People, which advocates for urban green spaces, and Lauren Faber from the Office of the Mayor of Los Angeles, which has set aggressive urban cooling goals.
As a significant exhibitor, we are able to offer free passes to the Expo portion of the show, and we'd be pleased to see you there at the GAF Booth #2533.
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