Tackling Urban Heat: Securing India’s Growth Story
Only through collective effort can we ensure that our cities remain liveable, energy-efficient, and resilient in the face of rising temperatures, writes the author
As cities grow denser, the urban heat island effect—where urban areas become significantly hotter than surrounding rural regions—continues to intensify. This phenomenon occurs as roads, buildings, and other infrastructure absorb and retain heat during the day, releasing it at night. With rising global temperatures, urban dwellers are increasingly facing discomfort, productivity loss, economic strain, and environmental challenges like never before. Thoughtful urban planning and architecture can mitigate the effects of this escalating crisis.
As India aims to significantly boost its productivity to achieve the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, addressing urban heat is crucial. Research indicates that productivity decreases with each degree increase above 27 degrees Celsius. Urban heat impacts output and absenteeism across all outdoor jobs, from construction workers building our cities to service sector employees who work tirelessly to provide convenience and comfort.
Hotter cities result in lower revenues and, consequently, fewer jobs, which does not support GDP growth in a development-focused economy like India. Moreover, tackling urban heat can create better opportunities and enhance safety for vulnerable populations, helping to bridge inequality and improve health and economic outcomes. This progress is essential for India to evolve into a developed nation in the coming decades.
Beyond Architectural Blueprint
Real estate developers have a crucial role to play in addressing the urban heat island effect. It’s not enough to merely focus on the traditional aspects of construction; a shift toward climate-conscious design is essential. To effectively combat urban heat, we need a three-pronged approach. First and the most effective strategies in mitigating urban heat is increase in green cover. Developers are recognizing the importance of integrating green spaces—whether through urban forests, vegetation cover, parks, or green rooftops. These green areas not only provide shade and cool the surrounding air through evapotranspiration but also contribute to improved air quality and enhance the overall well-being of residents.
Second, and equally important is optimising the building orientation. By aligning structures to maximise natural air flow and sunlight, the need for artificial cooling and lighting is reduced. Additionally, the use of heat-reflective materials—such as reflective roofing and cool pavements—can help counteract the heat absorption that typically worsens urban heat islands.
Lastly, developers can also introduce energy-efficient cooling solutions to lessen the environmental and financial burden on homeowners. For instance, installing 5-star rated air conditioners and BLDC fans in residential units can significantly cut energy consumption while maintaining indoor comfort. Such operational initiatives will often succeed when complimented with awareness campaigns around energy efficiency to empower informed decisions promoting long-term sustainability.
Global partnerships and collaborations to test and implement best practices are essential for developing effective solutions to our climate challenges. Currently, next-generation cooling technologies are being tested for their exceptional energy efficiency without sacrificing cooling comfort. Real-world testing offers invaluable insights, enabling manufacturers to refine prototypes into market-ready units. When these innovations are integrated into future projects, they have the potential to dramatically reduce energy consumption while ensuring a comfortable living environment for residents. Developers are crucial in advancing the government’s vision of Net Zero by 2070 and tackling the climate challenges that we all face. By forming meaningful partnerships, enabling market readiness for sustainable products, and embracing global best practices, they can lead the way in climate-sensitive urban planning that prioritises sustainability and resilience.
Safeguarding the Planet
The challenge of addressing the urban heat island effect is not just about keeping cities cool; it is about safeguarding the future of our planet. As cities expand and climate change accelerates, the way we build and operate our urban spaces must evolve. Therefore, there is an overarching need to actively integrate sustainable practices into every phase of real estate development, from planning to postconstruction operations. The future of urban living in India depends on the steps taken today by developers, architects, and policymakers to embrace sustainable practices and minimise the environmental impact of urban growth.
Only through collective effort can we ensure that our cities remain liveable, energy-efficient, and resilient in the face of rising temperatures.
