A comparative study of the thermal performance of reflective coatings for the urban environment

This paper presents the results of a comparative study aiming to investigate the effect of reflective coatings on lowering surface temperatures of buildings and other surfaces of the urban environment, and thus test their suitability to lower ambient temperatures and fight the heat island effect. In total, 14 types of reflective coatings on surfaces of the urban environment were studied, from August to October 2004. In order to measure the thermal performance of the reflective coatings, surface temperature sensors and a data logging system as well as infrared thermography procedures were used. The collected data have been extensively analysed. It was demonstrated that the use of reflective coatings can significantly reduce surface temperatures.