Los Angeles is experimenting with “Cool Pavements”. The concept is that there are large heat island effects that occur in urban areas. The dark surfaces from black tar roof shingles, asphalt pavement and other dark materials absorb more sun than their lighter counterparts. The mayors office is trying out Cool Pavements from a company called GuardTop located in Dana Point, CA.
Asphalt alone will not eliminate the heat island effect, but the mayors office is working towards a combination of items that will reduce the effect. Residents feel that they’re noticing the benefits already.
Workers applied a so-called cool pavement in Los Angeles’s Canoga Park neighborhood in May. Credit Greg Spotts
The jury still appears to be out if the benefits outweigh the environmental impacts of creating and placing the material.
Article via NYTimes
