Building designers and developers (click here) that are pursuing the Heat island reduction credit for LEED certification require documentation of the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) for their project’s roofing materials, shade giving structures, and paving materials.
Under the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED 2009 rating system, credits SSc7.1 and SSc7.2 (combined as credit SSc5 in LEED v4) are intended to minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands.
To satisfy the requirements of the Heat Island reduction credits, a certain percentage of the hardscape and roofing must have a high solar reflectance index.
Demand city and urban construction to have responsible practices to end heat generation within our cities and suburbs. If the buildings are cooler, the energy demands are less. Cooler summers in the cities are vital.
The examples of such outcomes exist and the methods such as LEED are established to provide the guidelines builders should be following. Clear cutting trees in order to build homes is also irresponsible. Clearing trees from an urban building zone is for the convenience of the builder, not the care free living of the buyer.
Take a good look at these trees. Trees this size do not grow overnight. These trees are far more than ten years old.
The shade covers the grey tone road. The air and ground under these trees, including the roadway are cool. Standing on that road is easier with coolness from the trees. Trees shade, but, they also use the sunlight for their own metabolism. Trees use CO2, but, they also remove the sunlight and are more effective than any artificial albedo surface.
Apply natures' gifts at every opportunity. They are far more powerful than any measure of people.
