Nature-Based Cool Pavement Systems for Climate-Resilient Urban Environments
Global warming has intensified the frequency and severity of heat waves, posing serious challenges to urban environments worldwide. Traditional pavements, known for their high heat absorption and retention, exacerbate urban heat stress and contribute to severe thermal discomfort and material deterioration. To address these pressing issues, innovative sustainable solutions are being explored. This study introduces a novel nature-based cold pavement system that utilizes subsurface naturally cooled water to reduce surface temperatures through conduction. The approach is designed to enhance thermal comfort and safety in outdoor urban areas, particularly in hot climates, without depending on evaporative cooling or water consumption.
The Challenge of Urban Heat and Pavement Thermal Stress
Urban surfaces, especially pavements, act as heat sinks that intensify local temperatures, aggravating the urban heat island effect. During extreme summer conditions, surface temperatures can exceed safe thresholds, causing discomfort, burns, and accelerated material degradation. Conventional cooling techniques, such as shading or sprinkling water, often have limitations in efficiency and water sustainability. Therefore, identifying passive, energy-efficient, and nature-based cooling methods has become a major research priority for urban resilience.
Concept of Nature-Based Cold Pavement System
The proposed system harnesses the conductive cooling capacity of naturally chilled subsurface water, eliminating the need for mechanical systems or active energy input. Unlike traditional evaporative cooling methods, this design operates independently of capillary action or surface water exposure. It is especially advantageous for coastal promenades, public plazas, and water parks, where barefoot pedestrian activity demands safe surface temperatures. The integration of this approach represents a shift toward sustainable, water-free cooling technologies inspired by natural thermal processes.
Methodology: Digital Thermal Modeling and Validation
A digital thermal model was developed to simulate and predict the system’s behavior under varying environmental and material conditions. The model incorporated parameters such as pavement thickness, absorptivity, thermal conductivity, and subsurface water heat exchange rates. Experimental validation was carried out in Seville, Spain, during the summer of 2023, providing real-world data for comparison. This combination of simulation and field testing ensured the reliability and applicability of the results to real urban environments.
Key Findings and Performance Insights
Results from the study revealed that the nature-based cool pavement system can reduce surface temperatures by up to 20 °C compared to conventional pavements. This reduction maintained safe thermal conditions for over 80 % of exposure time, effectively preventing harmful contact thresholds. Sensitivity analysis identified the most influential design factors, enabling optimization for diverse climatic conditions. The study confirmed the feasibility and effectiveness of passive thermal control in mitigating urban heat and enhancing comfort.
Implications for Sustainable Urban Design
The findings underscore the transformative potential of integrating nature-inspired cooling systems into urban infrastructure. By reducing heat stress, improving user comfort, and minimizing energy and water demand, the cold pavement concept aligns with global goals for climate adaptation and resilience. Its application can significantly improve the livability of cities, promoting sustainable development practices that harmonize with natural environmental processes. Future research may expand on long-term performance, material durability, and large-scale implementation strategies.
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