- Temperatures rising annually in cities
- Effective strategies are needed to deal with these
- Adding contemporary strategies to traditional methods yield amazing results
- Technology plays a vital role in combating the heat
Summer is here. In general, cities are hotter than rural areas. The reason for it are many. Be it rapid urbanisation, major ongoing construction works, transportation, fuel usage, are major contributors to heat in cities. Temperatures rise several degrees in cities compared to rural areas. The Meteorological Department has already issued warnings that this year will have higher temperatures than the regular summers. Maximum temperatures crossed 45 degrees in many places of the state. As temperatures soar annually in cities, effective strategies become imperative to combat the relentless heat. By blending contemporary approaches with traditional methods and leveraging technology, urban areas can transform into cool oases, ensuring the well-being of their residents.
Vertical Gardens…
Green facilities have emerged as a powerful tool in cities to cope with peak temperatures and create a cool climatic environment. Planting trees on streets and integrating green-blue corridors in urban planning are important in this. These help to reduce urban heat and bring society closer to nature. Allocating budgets to urban schemes and building technical expertise in local governance are essential to implement effective climate strategies. An example of this is Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. It can be described as a vast green space integrated with sustainable technology to cool the surrounding area. The Gardens by the Bay has amazing trees. These are vertical gardens that not only provide shade but also harness solar energy and collect rainwater.
Groundwater recharge…
Ponds and lakes act as natural heat sinks. Contributes significantly to groundwater recharge. Ancient step wells provide a timeless solution for summer relief. These architectural marvels not only recharge the groundwater but also provide natural cooling during summer. It demonstrates a sustainable approach deeply rooted in Indian heritage. Rainwater harvesting, setting up artificial ponds, and rejuvenating existing water bodies can help create cool neighborhoods. The renovation of Rajokri water body in Delhi is a great example of effective water management. The lake has been restored through a scientific wetland system. Due to this, the water quality has also improved. It acts as a buffer to prevent floods by promoting groundwater recharge.
Changes in the public transport system..
Another key factor is the development of public transport networks to reduce the heat in cities. Effective urban planning can reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. It will reduce traffic congestion. As a result, vehicle heat emissions are reduced resulting in improved air quality. Due to all these, urban temperatures will drop significantly. Take inspiration from the bus rapid transit system in Curitiba, Brazil. This will reduce dependence on private vehicles. Due to this, the heat in the city also decreased.
Public facilities…
One of the most popular and thoughtful design elements in traditional Indian towns is the use of ‘Pyu’ or drinking water. Located in busy streets, religious places and public buildings, these humble structures not only quench thirst but also provide relief from the heat. However, their presence in contemporary urban landscapes has diminished. Revival of such facilities has now become an urgent need. The construction of toilets along the boundaries of large public buildings as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission provides an opportunity to expand this concept further. Also moving towards eco-conscious construction norms is very important in the present circumstances. Heat gain in buildings can be significantly reduced by prioritizing heat resistant materials, natural ventilation and shading techniques.
Automated shading systems…
The steps everyone can take towards thermal resilience will help achieve larger scale initiatives. Chajjas and jalis in traditional Indian architectural sculpture provide natural light and shadows. As a result, the heat in buildings is reduced. Combining balconies and terraces eases the transition between indoors and outdoors. At the same time the interiors are not exposed to direct heat. There are many ways to improve thermal resilience in modern buildings. Dynamic elements, such as sun-tracking panels or an automated shading system, adapt to environmental conditions in real time. These systems adjust the angle or position of louvers, shades or panels based on factors such as sunlight intensity, wind direction, outdoor temperature. Shading devices like awnings, canopies, and fins are another integral part of this new system. These devices are designed to shade building surfaces, windows and open spaces.
Green roofs
Another excellent way to avoid heat.. installation of green roofs. These green roofs protect from heat. Reduces internal temperatures significantly. Apart from this, everyone can create a healthy environment by setting up small water sources or drinking water facilities within their home boundaries.
