Developers are urged to plant trees to help cool city down

GREENERY AND WATER FEATURES CAN REDUCE URBAN HEATING EFFECT

- By JOSEPH LOCKER Local democracy reporter

DEVELOPERS of new city buildings will now be encouraged to use more trees and open water to help cool the city down and reduce the impact on the environment.

According to Nottingham City Council, studies have shown inner cities can be up to 7C hotter compared to less dense, vegetated areas of the country, due to a process known as the “urban heat island effect”.

This is largely due to the darker surfaces and materials used in construction, which can absorb more heat.

A new council policy adopted yesterday under which developers will now be urged to use better materials and increase their use of trees, vegetation and open water.

Temperatures in Nottingham and the wider country are due to reach highs of up to 33C this month, as the UK continues to experience rising temperatures.