Uploaded on 2016-03-13 by KristiyanPeev

In the US there is a significant Urban heat island (UHI) effect in all 60 cities measured, with some more severe than others. On average the average difference in the summer (daytime) is 2.4 degrees F between rural and urban areas and 4 degrees F during the night. Studies show that even though the UHIs do not cause global warming, however they significantly exacerbate its effects. Picture 5 and Picture 6 (sorry for the quality) represent Aberystwyth town centre and the Aberystwyth country-side respectively. Even though Aberystwyth is a relatively small rural town it does have potential for an urban heat island effect, because it is an urban area non the less. It has the capacity to accumulate more heat from human related activity such as traffic exhaust, the built environment such as tarmac, stone housing and slate roofing. This is compared to the image of the rural environment which enjoys more green space and higher amount of tree cover than the town centre. Due to the fact of the changing climate predicted for the UK there are likely to be an increasing number of incidences where the average daytime temperature is 30°C or above and the night time temperature exceeds 15°C for two consecutive days - the Department of Health threshold value for temperatures that could significantly affect health (Forestry UK http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/infd-95ren7) To paraphrase Natural Resources Wales (2014:68) I would like to state that opportunities do exist to enhance the tree cover on under-utilised tracts of grass around parking and circulation spaces – thus providing a much enhanced environment for learning (views from the classroom, opportunities for more natural play, sheltering from wind and rain for greater comfort, etc.). Opportunities to create natural outdoor classrooms, featuring tree cover, seem under-exploited as well. Also provide opportunities for the inclusion of living roofs on big buildings (residential, recreational, business, governmental etc...) Both just as green cover and also provide gardening opportunities. There are many actions undertaken currently in my area to mitigate the Urban Heat Island Effect. One recent example is the planting of Coed Aber (Aber Forest is English). http://www.tyf.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/casestudies/english/Coed%20Aber.pdf . Pictures provided below (1-5). It has a multifunctional purpose, as the Welsh Government notes t trees bring a wide range of benefits both to individuals and to society as a whole. As the most important single component of green infrastructure, trees can provide economic benefits, improved health and wellbeing, increased recreational opportunities, and an enriched and balanced environment that ultimately boosts a town’s image and prosperity. Trees can for instance bring business benefits by improving people’s perceptions of an area, making consumers willing to pay more for goods. Trees also reduce the 'urban heat-island effect' through a combination of water evaporation, reflecting sunlight and providing shade, and increase community pride and social cohesion. The second most prominent example is Aberystwyth Univerisy's 'Plants and Architecture Project' which looks of how to best incorporate plants and architecture through the science of biomimicry ( a science that studies nature's best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems.) It aims at providing sustainable and good conditions for the built environment in which people live and work. The University building itself is an example of that project in action, final two pictures. As you can see the design of the building is created to provide maximum lighting and yet keep to building cool during the summer and warm during the winter months. It also has a living roof which aids cooling ![Coed Aber (Aberystwyth Forest)][1] ![Coed Aber next to the Council Building][2] ![Coed Aber next to M44 and the Rheidol flood plane][3] ![Coed Aber next to car park][4] ![Aberystwyth country side][5] ![Aberystwyth Town Centre][6] ![Aber Uni IBERS Department Building][7] ![Aberystwyth Uni IBERS Building Living Green Roof][8] [1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579008205102439.jpg [2]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579008903528583.jpg [3]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1457900977623054.jpg [4]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579010592923889.jpg [5]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579012126908016.jpg [6]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579013467125796.jpg [7]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1457901474655201.jpg [8]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/14579015133511521.jpg