REDUCING HEAT ISLANDS

Heat islands occur as vegetation and open land are replaced by roads, buildings and other infrastructure. These changes cause urban regions to become warmer than our rural counterparts, forming an “island” of high temperatures on the surface and in the atmosphere. Elevated temperature from heat islands can affect a community’s environment and quality of life. Negative impacts include increased energy consumption, elevated emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases, comprised human health, and impaired water quality. Local flora and fauna sensitive to small temperature fluctuations are also negatively impacted by the heat island effect. 

The Pasadena Convention Center’s exterior was designed to reduce the heat island effect on the site.

• White roofing membranes were installed on the buildings, which are referred to as “Cool Roofs.” A cool roof reflects the sun’s heat instead of soaking it into the building.
• Light color paving was installed, which also reflects the sun’s heat and keeps it from raising the temperature inside the buildings.
• Both of these strategies reduce the heat island effect and reduce the amount of energy needed to cool the buildings.