Are Cool Roofs Really Cool? A Predictive Regression Model for Buildings on Auburn University's Campus

Abstract

The natural environment has experienced many transformations into rapidly expanding urban areas. The use of concrete and asphalt has had direct impacts on the urban environment such as land-surface temperature (LST) and atmospheric dynamics. These changes to the climatic variables have long-term and short-term consequences. In this study, the campus of Auburn University is used to accurately measure LST, solar irradiance, and albedo using remotely sensed images and geographic models. In order to determine the effect that this will have on energy use, a statistical model is built to accurately show any relationships among the changes from the natural environment and the urban environment and future impacts that may occur as a result. By establishing the statistical relationships that exist, it will be possible to apply an Urban Heat Island mitigation strategy through the use of installing cool roofs, where albedo can be measured to show factors towards cooling.