What Communities are Doing to Reduce Heat Islands

Many state and local governments have taken steps to reduce heat islands. Examples include voluntary initiatives, such as demonstration projects, incentives, outreach and education, and awards; and mandatory policies, such as ordinances, comprehensive plans and design guidelines, zoning codes, building codes.

EPA maintains a Community Actions Database of existing heat island mitigation activities, searchable by region, activity type, and more.

Many communities are working to address Heat Islands and Equity. Explore three Local Heat Equity Examples.

Portland Eco-Roof — The Portland Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) has a green roof on its headquarters. The city allows denser development for projects that use green roofs, or eco-roofs as the city calls them. (Photo courtesy of Portland BES)

Chapter Five of EPA's Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies provides additional information, including the following topics:

Voluntary efforts, including demonstration projects, incentives, urban forestry programs, weatherization, outreach and education programs, and awards.
Policy efforts, including procurement, resolutions, tree and landscape ordinances, comprehensive plans and design guidelines, zoning codes, green building programs and standards, building codes, and air quality requirements.