Uploaded on 2016-08-09 by Aleksander Ødegård

1. The assignment gave no indication whether to write an answer on this first one, so I`ll keep it short. Having looked at a few of the cities/examples I was initially "shocked" by the differences/strenght of the UHI effect, untill I remembered the temperature were displayed in Fahrenheit. Still, it was interesting to study the graphs showing the effect. 2. I was not able to find any data or information regarding the UHI effect in the city of Kongsberg, which is probably due to its small size and temperate climate. I did however come across some data from measurements from our capitol city, Oslo. I am very unsure about the reliability of this data set, but never the less, it showed the UHI effect in Oslo. A brief analysis of their graphs indicate a difference in temperature up to 2 degrees C. (I was only able to upload 1 image....). The attached picture was taken in the newer part of the city centre in Kongsberg. From this picture there are a few visible contributors to UHI: - The dark asphalt/tarmac absorbes a lot of heat (more than a field of grass in rural parts at least). - Cars not only pollute, but also creates heat. To some extent, their use also creates microscopical levels of frictional heat on the tarmac surface. - Tall buildings with fairly wide spacing allows sunlight radiation to be encaptured, and limit the winds ablity to ventilate. This increases surface heat, which in turn heats the surrounding air and affects the heating/cooling of the buildings. - Buildings external surfaces (walls and roofs) absorbes radiation heat. Alternatively, they radiate heat from internal heating sources. - Each buildings ventilation system will release heat from inside to the external micro climate. 3. My decisions to reduce UHI: - Implement simulation as a mandatory part of city planning an building design. - Further fascilitate walking and cycling as alternatives to driving, in order to reduce the amount of traffic. - Creation of more parks and "green lungs" to create space for the air to move, and avoid tarmac and other highly absorptive surfaces. Other than that these newer buildings have centralied ventilation with heat exchange (?) and collective vents on the roof, rather than on each appartments wall et cetera which are good steps in the right direction. 4. I have not been able to find any evidence of actively taking the UHI effect into consideration in the local policy making in Kongsberg. Again, I think the city is too small for them to make a big deal about it in the public fora.