The City of Dallas has joined a group of other large cities to look at different materials for streets, rooftops and other infrastructure. The goal of the Smart Surfaces Coalition is to develop light-colored or reflective materials that attract and retain less heat.
In the summer, the temperature in big cities like Dallas can be up to 5 degrees higher because of the heat island effect. Asphalt and other surfaces can retain heat, making it more difficult for the city to cool off overnight.
“Leveraging this intelligent and cost-effective technology will cool our neighborhoods during hot Texas summers, reduce residents’ energy expenses and minimize the impact of flash flooding events,” said Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson.
Other cities in the coalition include Atlanta, Boston, New Orleans, Baltimore and Columbia, South Carolina. In addition to alternatives to asphalt for city streets, Dallas will look at reflective roofs, porous pavements and additional trees to reduce the heat island effect.
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