How 3D microclimate modeling is reducing urban heat stress by up to 6.3°C

Using tools like ENVI-met represents a significant step forward, providing scientific, data-driven analysis to clearly demonstrate design advantages. This approach leads to more efficient allocation of financial resources for both public administrations and private developers. - Javier de Sola Caraballo, Department of Architectural Constructions at the University of Seville

Valencia, a coastal city in Spain, faces rising temperatures due to climate change. Researchers from the University of Seville and Valencia Polytechnic University used ENVI-met from One Click LCA to test strategies for reducing urban heat stress.

They explored interventions such as new cooling pavements, green structures, shading devices, reducing traffic roads to create more pedestrian areas, and replacing hard surfaces with heat-mitigation zones.

Simulations showed that these strategies could reduce heat stress in the Virgen del Carmen neighborhood by up to 6.3°C on the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) scale, even under worst-case climate projections for the end of the century. This finding is important for urban planners aiming to create more resilient cities.

Learn more about Valencia’s urban heat stress reduction below :point_down:

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