Cool Pavements & Heat Resilience Strategy

Overview

As climate change intensifies, the Urban Heat Island effect produces temperatures 3–6°C higher than surrounding areas, with disproportionate impacts on low-income neighborhoods, renters, outdoor workers, and older adults. Streets and sidewalks act as thermal batteries, while poorly cooled homes and unprotected labor conditions increase health risks.

This policy addresses the public heat gap by cooling pavements, protecting tenants from unsafe indoor heat, and enforcing evidence-based labor protections, while ensuring winter performance and stormwater management remain intact.

Metrics & Measurement Standards

To support enforceable thresholds:

• Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): Measured using ASTM E1980; verified at installation and after resurfacing.
• Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): Derived from national meteorological services or city-calibrated sensors; sensors calibrated annually.
• Indoor Temperature: Measured at 1.5 m above floor level, away from windows, kitchens, and mechanical equipment, during peak heat hours (14:00–18:00).

Policy 1: Cool & Porous Paving Mandate

The Albedo Standard

All new public road resurfacing and municipal parking lots must use materials with SRI ≥ 30.

Observed outcomes from pilots: surface temperature reductions up to 10–12°F under peak solar conditions and reduced nighttime heat retention.

Permeable Sponge Zones

All non-arterial surfaces (parking lanes, alleys, sidewalks) must use:

• Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers (PICP), or
• Porous asphalt systems.

Winter Performance and Maintenance

• Permeable pavements drain meltwater immediately, reducing black ice formation.
• Performance depends on biannual vacuum maintenance with regenerative air sweepers.
• Typical maintenance cost: €3,000–€7,000 per lane-km per year.
• Responsibility: Department of Transportation or Public Works.

Real-World Examples

• Phoenix, AZ: CoolSeal pilot observed surface temperature reductions up to 12°F at midday.
• Los Angeles, CA: Reflective coatings reduced ambient air temperatures by up to 2.1°F during heat events.

Policy 2: Right to Cool (Baseline Housing Standard)

Baseline Requirement

All rental units must maintain an indoor temperature not exceeding 26°C (79°F) during heat season.

Landlords must comply using a hierarchy of measures:

1. Passive cooling (shading, ventilation).
2. Portable or shared cooling devices.
3. Permanent mechanical cooling systems.

Emergency Heat Protections

During declared Heat Emergencies:

• Cooling is classified as a Vital Service.
• Cooling services may not be shut off for non-payment.
• Temporary cooling centers or Cool Rooms must be accessible.

Right to Cool: Compliance Decision Tree

Is the unit a rental dwelling?

• No → Policy does not apply.
• Yes →
  • Is indoor temperature ≤ 26°C?
    • Yes → Compliant.
    • No →
      • Have passive measures been implemented?
        • No → Require passive upgrades.
        • Yes →
          • Is portable or shared cooling available?
            • No → Require provision.
            • Yes →
              • Is permanent cooling feasible?
                • Yes → Require installation on lease renewal cycle.
                • No → Grant hardship exemption with mitigation plan.

Policy 3: Heat-Triggered Labor Protections

Applicability

• Applies immediately to municipal workers.
• Applies to contractors via procurement requirements.
• Extends to private employers where labor law permits.

WBGT-Based Thresholds

WBGT	Requirement
> 28 °C	15 min rest per hour
> 30 °C	30 min rest per hour
> 32 °C	Stop non-critical work

Additional requirements:

• Shaded rest areas within 2 minutes.
• Continuous access to cool potable water.
• Acclimatization protocols for new workers.

Enforcement & Appeals

Enforcement Authority

• Housing Department: Right to Cool compliance.
• DOT/Public Works: Pavement standards.
• Labor Department: Worker protections.

Inspection Triggers

• Heat alerts (>30°C).
• Tenant complaints.
• Randomized seasonal audits.

Appeals

• Written notice of violation.
• 30-day compliance window.
• Administrative appeal process.

Funding Mechanisms

• Capital resurfacing budgets.
• Stormwater utility fees.
• Heat resilience and public health grants.
• Climate adaptation funds.

Implementation Roadmap

Phase 1: Standards (Months 1–6)

• Update materials specifications (SRI, permeability, maintenance).
• Amend labor contracts to include WBGT work/rest schedules.
• Publish landlord guidance on the 26°C cap and compliance hierarchy.

Phase 2: Pilot (Months 6–12)

• Deploy Cool Corridor pilots in high-risk neighborhoods.
• Install heat sensors for WBGT calibration.
• Run landlord outreach and tenant education.

Phase 3: Scale-Up (Year 2+)

• Expand permeable resurfacing in non-arterial networks.
• Enforce Right to Cool during heat season and emergencies.
• Publish an annual heat resilience report with metrics.

Discussion on GitHub

Join the GitHub discussion to share your ideas.