Over a rigorous three-year period marked by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Santamouris and his team undertook an ambitious project to address the extreme heat in Riyadh, where temperatures can soar to an incredible 45°C. Their comprehensive research explored the impact of ‘super cool’ building materials, the introduction of green spaces, and the application of energy-efficient retrofits, leading to a strategy that could reduce urban temperatures by as much as 5°C. This achievement marks a pivotal step in improving urban living standards, cutting down on energy usage, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.
In our interview, we explore the essence of their trailblazing research, highlighting the strategies deployed, the challenges faced, and the profound influence their findings have on urban planning and sustainable architecture around the globe. By addressing the critical issue of urban heat and advancing environmental sustainability objectives, the work of Professor Santamouris and his team at UNSW Sydney charts a course towards a cooler, more sustainable urban future, redefining heat mitigation practices for cities everywhere.
Can you detail the main goals and the time frame of your research focused on mitigating urban heat in Riyadh?
Our research project extended over a three-year period, which was notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated travel restrictions. This study was initiated in response to the extreme summer temperatures in Riyadh, often exceeding 45°C, posing significant challenges to the city’s livability and energy consumption. At the request of the Royal Commission of Riyadh, we embarked on a mission to discover effective methods to cool the urban environment, aiming to both enhance resident comfort and reduce the reliance on energy-intensive cooling solutions.
To tackle this challenge, we started with an in-depth simulation analysis covering Riyadh’s urban landscape. This involved a detailed examination at a resolution of 500 meters by 500 meters, integrating satellite imagery and data from ground stations to accurately chart the city’s heat distribution patterns.
Our investigative process included the evaluation of a variety of heat mitigation approaches. This encompassed the application of innovative cooling materials, known for their superior cooling properties, alongside the strategic integration of green spaces, evaluating the impact of both irrigated and non-irrigated vegetation. Employing advanced simulation techniques, we carefully assessed the efficacy of these diverse strategies in combatting urban heat.
The findings from our comprehensive study were promising, indicating the potential to significantly decrease Riyadh’s peak temperatures by as much as five degrees Celsius. Moreover, these strategies were found to be capable of substantially reducing the energy demands for cooling buildings by approximately 35%, showcasing the tangible benefits of our proposed heat mitigation methods in addressing urban overheating issues.
Can you explain what heat mitigation management is?
Heat mitigation management comprises techniques and innovations designed to control the Earth’s thermal environment by directing the flow and dispersal of heat. Essentially, all beings, humans included, release infrared radiation, which ascends into the atmosphere and is intercepted by greenhouse gases, only to be partially re-emitted back towards the Earth. Earth’s capability to sustain a stable, habitable temperature largely hinges on the atmospheric window, an integral part of our atmosphere that permits a fraction of this Earth-emitted heat to dissipate into space...
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