Scientists in Singapore have found that utilizing cool paint coatings in urban areas can lead pedestrians to feel up to 1.5 degrees Celsius cooler, enhancing the comfort of these spaces for work and leisure. A recent study conducted by researchers from Nanyang Technological University and published in Sustainable Cities and Society delved into the impact of cool paint coatings on reducing urban heat.
Urban comfort, particularly in hot climates requiring year-round cooling, has been a focal point for researchers seeking ways to combat the urban heat island (UHI) effect. This effect results in urban areas experiencing higher temperatures than their surroundings, impacting the health and well-being of city dwellers. To address this, the application of cool paints on surfaces like roofs, walls, and roads has been identified as a potential solution.
Cool paint coatings are designed with additives that reflect sunlight, thereby reducing heat absorption and emission from surfaces. By applying these coatings, cities can maintain lower temperatures and mitigate the adverse effects of UHI. To test the real-world application of cool paints, researchers conducted a field experiment in an industrial estate west of Singapore, focusing on four buildings forming two parallel ‘street canyons’.
In this experiment, one ‘cool canyon’ had cool paints applied to its roofs, walls, and road pavement, while the other conventional canyon served as a control. Environmental sensors were used to monitor various conditions in the two canyons over a two-month period, including air movement, surface and air temperature, humidity, and radiation levels.
The results of the study revealed that the ‘cool canyon’ experienced a significant reduction of up to 30 percent in heat emitted from built-up surfaces during a 24-hour cycle. This led to a noticeable decrease in air temperatures, with the ‘cool canyon’ registering temperatures up to two degrees Celsius lower than the conventional canyon.
Overall, the findings highlight the potential of cool paint coatings in creating more comfortable urban environments by effectively reducing heat absorption and enhancing thermal comfort for residents and workers. As cities continue to grapple with rising temperatures and the challenges posed by UHI, innovative solutions like cool paints offer a promising avenue for sustainable urban development.
