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Integrate Smart Growth PlanningSmart Growth is metropolitan development that pays for itself while protecting air and water quality, encouraging redevelopment of former industrial sites (brownfields), and promoting community economic vitality and livability. Portland, Oregon, practices Smart Growth by increasing the use of land within its Urban Growth Boundary and redeveloping brownfields. One of these redevelopment projects is expected to create 5,700 jobs near an economically depressed area that the city has targeted for economic revitalization.
Plant Trees To Keep Building And Streets Cooler To Improve Air Quality, Lower Air-conditioning Loads, And Save MoneyTrees provide shade for buildings and streets, reducing the amount of energy needed to cool buildings. In the Miami Lakes neighborhood of Miami, the city planted 88 trees scattered among 14 homes. Each homeowner has saved $20 per year in energy costs, and the project reduced the neighborhood's annual energy-related CO2 emissions by 42 tons while storing 0.33 tons of carbon per year in the growing trees.
Use Highly Reflective Surfacing And Roofing Materials Highly reflective roofs and pavements can help make cities cooler, reduce the formation of smog (which is dependent on air temperature), reduce air-conditioning loads, and save money. Highly reflective roofs and surfaces can reduce home or building owners' air-conditioning bills by 10 to 50 percent. Frederick, Maryland, saves an estimated $1 million annually in cooling costs from its existing highly reflective roofs and tree plantings, and has identified additional projects that could triple the savings.
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