First Steps in Urban Heat for Built Environment Practitioners

Future summer temperatures are projected to increase, with hotter and more frequent heatwaves. This will increase heat mortality, impact infrastructure performance, and increase demand for air conditioning at a time when councils need to reduce energy demand to meet Net Zero obligations. Urban areas need to be resilient to future warmer summers and increasing overheating risks. This guide explains urban heat, the role of green infrastructure, and how to undertake heat sensitive planning and design.