Urban Planning for Heat Resilience
Expert-defined terms from the Postgraduate Certificate in Urban Heat Mapping and Analysis course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a professional course.
Urban Planning for Heat Resilience Glossary #
Urban Planning for Heat Resilience Glossary
Air Conditioning #
A system that cools and dehumidifies indoor air to create a more comfortable environment. While air conditioning can provide relief from heat, it also contributes to urban heat islands by releasing heat into the outdoor environment.
Albedo #
The measure of the reflectivity of a surface, ranging from 0 (completely absorbent) to 1 (completely reflective). Higher albedo surfaces reflect more sunlight and can help reduce urban heat islands by lowering surface temperatures.
Biophilic Design #
Incorporating natural elements such as plants, water features, and natural materials into urban design to improve the well-being of residents and reduce heat stress in urban areas.
Climate Change #
Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other atmospheric conditions caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change exacerbates heat-related challenges in urban areas.
Cool Roofs #
Roofs designed to reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofs. Cool roofs can reduce indoor temperatures, energy consumption, and urban heat island effects.
Green Infrastructure #
Natural or nature-based solutions such as green roofs, urban forests, and rain gardens that help manage stormwater, reduce heat, and improve air quality in urban areas.
Heat Island Effect #
The phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities such as asphalt paving, building materials, and lack of vegetation.
Heat Stress #
The physical discomfort and health risks associated with exposure to high temperatures, especially in urban areas with limited green spaces and cooling resources.
Heat Wave #
A prolonged period of excessively hot weather, often accompanied by high humidity, that can lead to heat-related illnesses and even fatalities in vulnerable populations.
Land Use Planning #
The process of allocating land for different purposes such as residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational uses to promote sustainable development and address urban heat resilience.
Mitigation Strategies #
Actions taken to reduce or prevent the impacts of climate change and urban heat islands, such as increasing green spaces, promoting energy efficiency, and implementing cool roof programs.
Passive Cooling #
Design strategies that rely on natural ventilation, shading, and thermal mass to cool indoor spaces without the need for mechanical cooling systems.
Sustainable Development #
Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, including considerations for environmental, social, and economic sustainability.
Thermal Comfort #
The condition of mind that expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment, influenced by factors such as air temperature, humidity, air movement, and clothing.
Urban Design #
The process of shaping the physical environment of cities, towns, and communities to create functional, attractive, and sustainable spaces for residents, visitors, and businesses.
Urban Heat Mapping #
The process of using remote sensing technologies, weather data, and geographic information systems (GIS) to map and analyze temperature variations in urban areas.
Vegetation #
Plants, trees, and green spaces that provide shade, reduce heat absorption, and improve air quality in urban environments, contributing to urban heat resilience.
Walkability #
The measure of how friendly an area is to walking, considering factors such as pedestrian safety, access to amenities, and street design. Walkable neighborhoods can reduce reliance on cars and promote physical activity.