Walking on Sunshine: How Cool Pavements Are Fighting Urban Heat
On a sweltering July afternoon in Phoenix, Arizona, Maria walked her kids home from school. With temperatures topping 110°F, the sidewalks shimmered with heat. But as they turned onto their street, something changed—the ground beneath their feet felt noticeably cooler. Their neighborhood had recently been selected for a pilot program installing “cool pavement,” and for the first time in weeks, the walk felt bearable. For Maria, it wasn’t just cooler pavement—it was peace of mind.
What Are Cool Pavements?
Cool pavements are specially engineered materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional asphalt. Conventional blacktop surfaces can reach temperatures up to 150°F under direct sun, contributing to the urban heat island effect—a phenomenon where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas.
By using lighter-colored coatings, permeable materials, or reflective aggregates, cool pavements stay cooler during the day and radiate less heat at night. This can lower surrounding air temperatures, reduce cooling demands, and make public spaces more walkable and livable.
Key benefits of cool pavements include:
Reduced surface and ambient temperatures
Lower energy use for air conditioning
Improved pedestrian comfort and safety
Extended lifespan of pavement materials
Case Study: Los Angeles Cool Streets Program
Since 2017, the City of Los Angeles has been testing cool pavement coatings on residential streets, parks, and parking lots. The coatings have been shown to lower surface temperatures by as much as 10°F to 20°F compared to conventional asphalt.
In addition to temperature reduction, the Cool Streets initiative focuses on equity—prioritizing neighborhoods most vulnerable to heat-related health risks. Residents report feeling safer walking, biking, and playing outdoors, and many are learning about the science of heat resilience through city-led workshops and signage.
Los Angeles is now expanding the program, integrating cool pavement with tree planting and shade structures to create “cool corridors” in high-priority areas.
The Blueprint for Tomorrow
As cities worldwide grapple with rising temperatures, cool pavements offer a scalable, cost-effective strategy for heat mitigation. They can be deployed in schoolyards, sidewalks, bus stops, and parking lots—spaces that often bake under intense sun and impact daily comfort.
When paired with other heat-reducing strategies like green infrastructure, shaded walkways, and reflective roofs, cool pavements contribute to urban resilience and public health.
Imagine a city where summer strolls are enjoyable, not dangerous; where infrastructure works with the climate, not against it; and where equity and sustainability go hand in hand.
Call to Action: Make Your Streets Cooler
Here’s how you can help cool down your community:
Advocate for cool pavement projects in local planning
Support tree planting and shade initiatives in your neighborhood
Use light-colored or permeable materials in driveways or patios
Check out resources from the Global Cool Cities Alliance and the Heat Island Reduction Program (EPA) for ideas.
Because in the fight against heat, every step counts.