Perhaps you've already seen the sections on ICFs, pervious concrete, and concrete pavements. If you have, you are starting to understand why concrete is such an environmentally conscious choice.

Many concrete products and certain development and construction techniques are being brought together under one umbrella as part of the Cool Communities program. It's just one more way concrete is helping to save the planet.

Cool, baby. Very cool.

The Cool Communities concept began in 1992 as part of a national effort to reduce global warming. It is a program of American Forests and U. S. Dept. of Energy. It has the full cooperation of the Environmental Protection Agency, the U. S. Forest Service, the Department of Defense, and other agencies.

The effort promotes a system of landscaping, using light colored pavements and roofs, and thermally efficient buildings to combat global warming caused by the Urban Heat Island effect and to reduce pollutants caused by higher temperatures.

A Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight

Urban Heat Island Effect? Sound like rocket science . . . and it is in a way. The term refers to the changes in temperature, pollution, and weather in and around towns and cities. The phenomenon is caused by development practices and construction materials that adversely affect the environment.

There are some general conditions associated with urban heat islands. You can read more to find out what these conditions really mean and how they affect pollution, health, and the economy. When examining the differences between high density developments and the surrounding suburbs and rural areas, you will usually find the following:

• Temperatures are higher by 8 - 10 degrees Fahrenheit
• Ozone levels are higher
• Smog is heavier
• Higher incidence of heat- and smog-related health problems

Keep Your Cool

There are a number of ways that city planners, developers, architects and engineers can help to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Even moderate efforts can yield considerable results. Of course concrete plays an important role, but there are other green building techniques that are key elements as well, including:

• Strategic Landscaping - Trees, shrubs, ground cover, and other vegetation absorb carbon dioxide, and emit water vapor. They also serve to cool and shade areas from heat energy created by the sun.
• Intelligent Materials Selection - There are good and bad choices in materials for pavements, parking lots, and rooftops. Using reflective and light-colored materials to build significantly improves the environmental characteristics of any community.
• Sustainable Development Practices Using people friendly development methods and green architecture can create a city or town that benefits the environment, the economy, and its citizens.

Benefits of reducing Heat Island Effect

The benefits derived from cooling off cities across the country are very real. Here are some projected results from a study on taking action in Los Angeles, California.

• A cooler, more livable city
• Savings on utilities to individuals, companies, and governments
• Less pollution resulting due to lower power plant output
• Millions in healthcare savings resulting from a healthier urban environment

Examine the causes of and solutions to the Urban Heat Island Effect.

Find out why ozone is bad.

Consider the possibilities of chilling out in Los Angeles.