APPLICATION OF COOL PAVEMENTS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL

CONDITIONS

Background of the Study

Global warming is continuing to affect the lives of people all over the world and as time
passes by, the consequences brought about by it is getting graver. The temperature, due to the
hole in the ozone layer getting bigger, is higher than previous recordings [1]. One major
infrastructure affected by these changes in the environment, particularly the rise of temperature,
are roads. Roads are an integral for every growing economy [2]. It enables the transportation of
goods, services and manpower which are all critical pieces of a successful economy. Roads are
not just infrastructures which allows vehicles to pass through and enables them to reach their
destinations. Roads are vital in the economic growth that third-world countries are trying to
achieve.

Pavements are

This study focuses on the application of cool pavements to improve environmental conditions in

big cities. Urban heat island effect is being felt especially in big cities, due to the phenomenon, some

effects are increase of energy demand for cooling, greenhouse gas emissions, and lowered ground water

quality. Roads are a major contributor to urban ban heat island effect; the usual asphalt road can

significantly change the natural ground surface temperature. By applying the cool pavement, (1) energy

can be saved greatly, reduce emissions, for example cool pavements lower the outside temperature, which

means that structures surrounding the area will use less energy from air conditioners to cool the place. (2)

Improve water quality because the surface will cool down the storm water which will reduce the damage

in some watersheds. (3) slow the climate change, since less heat are being absorbed the earth’s surface

temperature will decrease and will temporarily reduce the effects of climate change. The application of

this cool pavement can also improve the health of people because the pavement will cool the air and will

reduce some heat-related sicknesses, and will reduce the amount of smog in the city

(n.d.). Here's How we Know That the Earth's Temperature is Rising. Retrieved from

https://www.ucsusa.org/global-warming/science-and-impacts/science/temperature-is-rising
Ivanová, Eva & Masarova, Jana. (2013). IMPORTANCE OF ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS. ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT.

18. 10.5755/j01.em.18.2.4253.

Yinfei, D., Qin, S., & Shengyue, W. (2014). Highly oriented heat-induced structure of asphalt pavement

for reducing pavement temperature. Energy and Buildings, 85, 23–31. doi: 10.1016/j.enbuild.2014.09.035