Developers Edition

Thermocity is a tool developers can use to better understand how shade and heat affect livability and property values in Downtown Las Vegas. New developments can benefit from shade created by existing buildings, and can also create new shaded microclimates of their own.
Three Parts of Thermocity: 1. The document you are reading now has general information and instructions on how to use Thermocity, and also discusses the importance and economic impact of shade and street climate in real estate development in Downtown Las Vegas. 2. Thermal maps of Downtown show relative temperatures in the morning, afternoon, and evening based on shade data. 3. An interactive 3-D map of Downtown allows stakeholders to explore Downtown and observe shade and livability for themselves. To use this tool youll need to download Google SketchUp Viewer, a free 3-D modeling program from Google. Download Sketchup Viewer here: http://sketchup.google.com/intl/en/download/gsuviewer.html Alternatively, you can download full SketchUp, which will give you the ability to edit models: http://sketchup.google.com/ For a guide to using SketchUp Viewer, see the accompanying document Navigating SketchUp.
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Thermography: Shady Business?

Everyone enjoys beating the heat by finding shade on a hot summer day, but can we quantify the economic effects of shade on real estate values? Authorities in the realm of urban development and livable communities say: Yes! In the Las Vegas summer, shade can actually decrease local temperature by 2030F. Learn how shade can help you:

The Effect of Shaded, Livable Streets on Property Values

A shaded microclimate can have a direct impact on the value of your property. Livable and shaded streets can relate a $15,000$20,000 increase in residential or business unit value.1 Another study shows that access to shade and landscaped streets can increase urban property values by 3-10%.2

Street Climate and Profitability

Keep your tenants happy and profitable! In one study, businesses on shaded streets showed 20% higher income streams than businesses on exposed streets.3

Environmental Benefits of Shaded Property

Reduce your buildings carbon footprint while saving money. Energy savings from decreased need for air-conditioning can be up to 47% in hot, arid climates, especially when the southwestern side of the building is shaded.4

1 2

22 Benefits of Urban Street Trees -Walkable.org Reducing Urban Heat Islands -EPA.gov 3 22 Benefits of Urban Street Trees -Walkable.org 4 Reducing Urban Heat Islands -EPA.gov

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