City planning in hot desert climates poses unique challenges, with extreme temperatures and energy consumption needs being significant issues. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by UNSW Sydney offers a glimmer of hope. The study explores how a combination of heat mitigation technologies and strategies can significantly reduce temperatures in a major desert city. By implementing a multi-faceted approach, which includes reflective building materials, greenery, and energy retrofitting measures, the researchers demonstrate the potential for cooling Saudi Arabia’s capital city by up to 4.5°C.
Urban overheating is a critical concern for more than 450 cities across the globe, leading to increased energy consumption and negative impacts on health. In Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, extreme heat exceeding 50°C during summers exacerbates these challenges. With limited green areas and an abundance of heat-trapping artificial surfaces, the city continues to heat up. Additionally, car pollution and industrial activities worsen the situation.
The research team, in collaboration with the Royal Commission of Riyadh, conducted large-scale simulations to evaluate the potential impact of various heat mitigation strategies on Riyadh’s Al Masiaf precinct. The simulations considered different combinations of super cool materials, vegetation types, and energy retrofitting levels. The study found that implementing the recommended heat mitigation scenario, which includes super cool materials on rooftops and an increase in irrigated trees for transpiration cooling, could reduce the city’s outdoor temperature by approximately 4.5°C during summer. Furthermore, the strategy would enhance cooling energy conservation by up to 16%.
Lowering the temperature of a city offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it increases thermal comfort and reduces health risks associated with extreme heat. Furthermore, it helps decrease the concentration of pollutants and enhances human productivity. Previous research has also shown that similar cooling strategies implemented in other cities have contributed to a reduction in heat-related deaths. Given the size of Riyadh, significantly reducing cooling needs is not only beneficial for sustainability but also financially advantageous.
The study also investigated the energy impact of retrofitting measures for all 3,323 buildings in the Al Masiaf precinct. The simulations revealed that combining optimal cooling technologies with energy retrofitting options, such as improving windows, insulation, solar panels, and cool roofs, could decrease cooling demand by up to 35%. This substantial reduction in energy needs would not only lower costs but also enhance the overall quality of life for Riyadh’s residents.
The researchers behind the study now aim to collaborate with the Royal Commission of Riyadh to bring the tailored heat mitigation plan to fruition. If successfully implemented, this initiative will be the largest of its kind in the world. The researchers anticipate that the advanced heat mitigation technologies and strategies will yield significant health, sustainability, and economic benefits for the city.
UNSW Sydney’s pioneering study unveils a promising path toward cooling hot desert cities. By adopting a comprehensive approach that combines reflective building materials, greenery, and energy retrofitting measures, Riyadh has the potential to lower its temperatures by up to 4.5°C. This reduction not only improves thermal comfort but also positively impacts health, reduces energy consumption, and enhances overall quality of life. By continuing to explore innovative strategies and technologies, cities worldwide can aspire to transform their urban landscapes and mitigate the effects of extreme heat.
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