Research Brief: Quantifying the impact of pavement reflectivity on radiative forcing and building energy demand in neighborhoods
Name
MITCSHub_RF&BEDImpactsFINAL.pdf
Description
One page research brief
Size
3.26 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
48381d7a877feebd68999cf024357ea8
Author(s)
Xu, Xin
Gregory, Jeremy
Kirchain, Randolph
Date Issued
March 13, 2017
Series/Report no.
;vol 1, 2017
Abstract
Albedo is the measure of the fraction of solar energy reflected by the Earth’s surface. High-albedo surfaces, which are lighter in color, absorb less sunlight energy and reflect more shortwave radiation. The change in radiative energy balance, which is called radiative forcing (RF), reduces nearby air temperatures and impacts the surrounding building energy demand (BED) including heating and cooling energy loads. The impact of reflective surfaces on RF and BED has been investigated by researchers through modeling and observational studies, however previous studies have not assessed RF and BED impacts under the same context and therefore cannot be directly compared. Here, we take a more comprehensive approach in assessing the net impacts of pavement albedo modification strategies in urban areas.
Subjects
Quantifying the impact of pavement reflectivity on radiative forcing and building energy demand in neighborhoods
albedo
surface albedo
Pavement
Buildings
Neighborhood
Environmental Performance
Surface reflectivity
Building energy demand
radiative forcing
Persistent DSpace Link
