Innovative pavement solution for the mitigation of the urban heat island effect (LIFE HEATLAND)

The LIFE HEATLAND project aims to demonstrate the mitigation of the UHI effect by using an innovative construction material for road surfaces – cool pavements using a mixture of lime aggregated, transparent synthetic binder and titanium oxide and iron oxides pigments. An innovative pavement will be installed along with four metering towers fitted with diverse sensors (e.g. a pavement surface temperature sensor, three air temperature sensors, an ozone meter and a lux meter) in the city of Murcia. The main objectives of the project are to:

• Demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology to mitigate the UHI effect and to reduce the local temperature;
• Transfer knowledge generated throughout the project to foster replication in other European cities;
• Install innovative pavement in other urban areas, assisted by the project's beneficiaries, or to sign agreements for replication after the end of the project;
• Assess the effect of the new pavement on reducing local energy consumption associated with air conditioning, refrigeration devices and street lighting, along with its contribution to reducing noise and air pollution;
• Validate the socio-economic feasibility of the proposed pavement solution;
• Develop a mathematical model to predict the effectiveness of the technology in different urban areas;
• Apply the mathematical model in several European cities to evaluate the replicability potential of the technology in the EU; and
• Develop dissemination materials and activities, such as reports, guides, a website, seminars and training courses.

The results of the project will help define a new standard for urban pavements that are resilient to the climate change effects.