Decorative Concrete colors can help reduce the urban heat island effect.

Buildings and pavement made of dark materials such as asphalt (a petroleum based product) absorb most or all of the sun's energy instead of reflecting it away, causing the temperature of the surfaces and the air around it to rise. These higher temperatures result in the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect is detrimental in many ways, including increased energy usage through higher air conditioning and increased respiratory problems resulting from raised pollution levels.

Planting trees and bushes and adding more green space is one of the best ways to combat the heat island effect in the urban landscape. Vegetation can save energy by providing shade and lowering temperatures in urban areas. But there will always be a need for paved areas. When specifying paved areas, one of your first and foremost concerns should be its environmental impact. You want to install a hardscape that has high solar reflectivity which results in less solar energy absorbed. And for that you want to choose Scofield Systems.

Both CHROMIX® Admixtures for Color-Conditioned® Concrete and LITHOCHROME® Color Hardener are available in colors that provide higher solar reflectivity values than aspahlt or plain gray concrete. These higher values help produce "cool pavement" which reduces the urban heat island effect while producing durable, beautiful and functional surfaces for focal points and accents in landscape designs.

How can Scofield Systems help reduce heat island effect and contribute to sustainability?