With global temperatures on the rise, more attention is being given to the dangerous effects of heat islands. Heat islands usually occur in urbanized areas, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or anywhere where a higher concentration of structures like buildings, roads and other infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat. This can drive daytime temperatures anywhere from 1 to 7 degrees higher.
Heat islands don’t just create higher daytime temperatures, they also reduce nighttime cooling and increase pollution levels. All of this can lead to heat-related death or illness. And when heat waves hit, heat islands can make the problems even worse, putting sensitive populations at risk.
If your park or school grounds experience especially high temperatures, there are measures you can turn to in order to reduce the negative impacts of heat islands. 
Add Some Shade
Trees and other plants can help cool the environment, which makes them a great way to address and reduce the impact of heat islands. They provide shade and cooling as they absorb water through roots and cool the surroundings by releasing water vapor through their leaves, the EPA states, adding that urban forests are usually 2.9 degrees cooler than unforested urban areas.
Of course, a tree canopy requires years to mature, which means you’ll want to add some shade to your site in the meantime to help protect patrons from the hottest parts of the day. Shade structures and shelters can be a smart strategy to help protect visitors to your park or school, while also adding a beautiful aesthetic element to your park.
Even Better, Add Living Shade
Green roofs are another strategy recommended by the EPA to reduce heat islands. Installing shelters that feature green roofs brings many similar benefits to tree cover. The living roof of your shelter can provide shade, remove heat from the air and reduce temperatures on the roof’s surface, and the surrounding air.
The EPA states that using green roofs in built environments with limited vegetation can moderate the heat island effect, especially during daytime. As an added bonus, green roofs reduce and help filter stormwater runoff, absorb pollutants and carbon dioxide, and create a pleasing, natural aesthetic for your site.
For More Information
ICON Shelter Systems Inc.
800-748-0985
www.iconshelters.com
