Cool paint coatings offer a promising solution to combat the Urban Heat Island effect, which results in elevated temperatures in urban areas. Previous research has primarily relied on simulations or scaled-down models. However, researchers from NTU conducted a pioneering real-world study in Singapore to assess the effectiveness of these coatings in tropical conditions.
Key Findings:
- Researchers coated roofs, walls, and road pavements in an industrial area in Singapore with cool paint coatings.
- The coated environment exhibited temperatures up to two degrees Celsius cooler in the afternoon compared to an adjacent uncoated area.
- Pedestrian thermal comfort improved by up to 1.5 degrees Celsius, as measured by the Universal Thermal Climate Index.
- The Universal Thermal Climate Index integrates various factors including temperature, relative humidity, thermal radiation, and wind speed to evaluate thermal sensation.
- This study contributes valuable insights into the practical application of cool paint coatings in real-world urban environments.
- The research represents the first comprehensive evaluation of cool paint coatings in the tropics, highlighting their potential efficacy in mitigating the Urban Heat Island effect.
- By reducing surface heat absorption and emission, cool paint coatings offer a promising strategy to alleviate urban heat and enhance outdoor comfort levels.
- The findings underscore the importance of further research and implementation of such solutions to address urban heat challenges in tropical regions.