Tokyo Accelerates Use of “Cool Pavement” Technology to Combat Urban Heatwaves
As temperatures continue to soar in the Japanese capital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is taking action to cool the city with an innovative solution: Cool Pavements — road surfaces designed to reduce ground temperatures by 8–10°C.
There are two main types of Cool Pavement:
- Reflective Pavement – reflects infrared radiation to prevent heat absorption
- Water-Retaining Pavement – cools the surface through evaporation of retained water
Although the cost is about 30% higher than traditional asphalt, the effectiveness is significant. As of now, over 190 kilometers of cool pavement have been installed, with TMG aiming to expand the coverage to 245 kilometers by 2030.
Data from the Tokyo Fire Department shows that between May and September 2023, 24% of heatstroke cases occurred on the streets — a figure notably higher than the national average of 17%. This highlights the urgent need for urban heat mitigation.
Ultimately, Cool Pavements are not just about comfort — they represent a critical step toward urban safety and resilience in an era of rising temperatures.
Source : https://www.facebook.com
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