Hoogendoorn, Igmar (2024) The contribution of albedo-enhanced houses in The Netherlands to reducing the urban heat island effect. Bachelor thesis.
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Abstract
This thesis investigates the potential contribution albedo-enhanced houses could have in The Netherlands to mitigate the urban heat island (UHI) effect. Albedo-enhanced houses are characterized by aspects such as white paint, thick walls, dome roofs, and narrow streets to maintain ambient temperatures and reflect solar radiation. These aspects are inspired by the successful practices in Santorini. The central research question focused on the potential impact and feasibility of integrating these architectural elements into the Dutch context. The study made use of a qualitative research design, it involved interviews with professionals from different sectors, including spatial planners, architects, and project developers. These interviews gathered expert insights on the effectiveness and implementation of albedo- enhancing techniques to reduce UHI effects in urban settings. The main findings indicate that the reflective properties of white paint and the thermal mass of thick walls can significantly lower ambient temperatures and reduce heat absorption. However, the widespread implementation of these features faces aesthetic, cultural, and practical challenges in The Netherlands. Dome roofs, even though beneficial for heat dispersion and air circulation, are not typically suited for the Dutch architectural style because it is predominantly vertical. Similarly, the narrow, tree-lined streets that cool the environment and reduce direct sunlight are limited because of regulatory and logistical constraints in urban Dutch settings. In conclusion, while the albedo-enhanced houses offer an optimistic approach to mitigate UHI effects, their adoption in the Dutch context requires innovative adaptations and solutions to overcome existing barriers. The study suggests integrating these features with urban planning norms and Dutch architectural styles for further research. Moreover, it recommends that policymakers provide incentives to raise awareness for the adoption of albedo-enhancing technologies. This research contributes to the broader conversation about sustainable urban development and lays the groundwork for policy initiatives, and future studies aimed at mitigating the UHI phenomenon in densely populated regions.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Spatial Planning and Design |
| Supervisor: | Busscher, T. |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Jul 2024 12:53 |
| Last Modified: | 09 Jul 2024 12:53 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4575 |
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