With 2025 on track to be the second hottest year on record, designing public spaces and utilizing municipal resources for heat resilience is as important as it has ever been. Areas with increased concrete and asphalt, decreased tree cover, and substantial heat generated from human activities often become “heat islands,” or spaces with average temperatures 1-7°F higher than surroundings. Heat-related health problems disproportionately impact populations with chronic conditions, lower incomes, and both children and older adults.
Below are some planning considerations for building heat resilience through design of public spaces:
- Shade. Street trees serve as outstanding urban infrastructure that not only provide shade, but also filter air pollution, enhance curb appeal, and establish habitat for wildlife. Native, drought-tolerant trees – like Connecticut’s iconic white oaks – are excellent choices to keep sidewalks cool. Shade can also come in the form of covered bus stops, overhangs from buildings, or small pavilions and shelters in pocket parks.
- A community could consider engaging their residents in a discussion about favored tree species that meet environmental and community needs.
- Municipalities should proactively consider maintenance of street trees to ensure the longevity of the asset for all.
Did you know? NVCOG is working on a tree canopy assessment for the region.
- Cool Materials. Cool roofs and cool pavements can lower the temperature of buildings and urban spaces. Cool roofs use high-reflectance materials or coatings plus light colors to reflect heat instead of absorbing it. Cool pavements use similar material and color techniques; moreover, this broad category includes permeable pavement, which retains water to keep temperatures low.
- Green roofs are another way to cool temperatures in and around buildings, while also managing stormwater and adding an aesthetic point of interest to the area. It is important to note, though, that green roofs are generally more expensive and require consistent maintenance.
- Waste-Heat Reduction. The cumulative impact of exhaust from cars, output from mechanical systems, and even body heat can raise temperatures in dense, urban centers. Public transit and active transportation are ways to address this, by taking cars off the road while providing co-benefits like decreased emissions and healthier lifestyles.
In addition to these mitigation strategies, municipalities should ensure that residents have options during extreme heat events. Below are several considerations:
- Cooling Centers. Setting up cooling centers (public shelters with air conditioning and access to water) and informing the public through an emergency management communication system can support your community on days of extreme heat.
- It is important to note that municipalities should have a plan in place in the event a municipal cooling center is closed. Planning for heat with community-based organizations can ensure a coordinated effort to protect the population.
- Access to water. Swimming areas, both indoor and outdoor, provide a place to cool off when extreme heat strikes
Did you know? NVCOG has mapped swimming areas and splash pads throughout the region.
- Encourage Weatherization. Municipalities can also work with utilities and EnergizeCT to share information about weatherization – keeping tight envelopes on houses to minimize leakage of cold air. This reduces energy usage, saves money, and keeps families cool. The Community Partnership Initiative offers funding for this type of outreach.
