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Advances in Building Energy Research

Advances in Building Energy Research 3 (2009) 261–270

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Urban Heat Island and its Impact on Building Energy Consumption

Rajagopalan Priyadarsini

Urban areas tend to have higher air temperatures than their surroundings as a result of man-made alterations. This phenomenon is known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect. UHI is considered to be one of the major problems encountered by the human race this century. Solar radiation that is absorbed during the day by buildings is re-emitted after sunset creating high temperatures in urban areas. Also, anthropogenic heat sources such as air conditioners and road traffic add to the rise in temperatures. A number of studies have indicated that UHI has a significant effect on the energy use of buildings. In mid- and low-latitude cities, heat islands contribute to urban dwellers’ summer discomfort and significantly higher air-conditioning loads. This chapter summarizes and reviews the latest research methodologies and findings about the effect of increased temperatures on the energy consumption of buildings. The latest developments in the heat island mitigation strategies are remarkable. However, more attention needs to be given to the implementation and testing of these strategies in full-scale buildings.

Keywords: urban heat island; temperature; energy; cool surfaces; vegetation

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