To mitigate the effects of heat islands at George Mason University, it is recommended to paint over the asphalt parking lots with an environmentally friendly paint. Any color other than black will absorb less heat from the sun since black is the most heat-absorbent color.
Tree canopies also help relieve the effects of heat islands by shading spaces prone to extreme heat. Specifically, planting trees in parking lots I and K will be most beneficial.
Increasing vegetation cover and utilizing green roofs will helps to decrease the surrounding air temperature and lower the temperature of surrounding surfaces. Vegetation has a cooling effect and absorbs less sunlight than most building materials. In addition, they also provide shade for students.
Similarly to plants, light materials absorb less sunlight than dark materials. When materials absorb less sunlight, their temperature decreases and so does the surrounding air temperature.
Permeable Surfaces - Impermeable surfaces hold water which is heated by the sun. Permeable surfaces have larger pores that allow water to evaporate from.
Increased Greenery
Trees down the center of Wilkins
Green walls for older buildings like Krug Hall, Innovation, and Exploratory
Replace turf fields with grass
Cooling roof on David King
Constructed solutions
Solar PV canopy between Horizon and Fenwick
Tents and portable water stations on high heat days and during construction
Tables with umbrellas outside Johnson Center and behind Peterson
Communication
Earlier texts and emails for high heat days
Email and event for heat safety education