Impacts of physical attributes of paved surfaces for the urban energy demand: A case study for the City of Toronto

Summary: “Pavements in cities impact Urban Heat Islands (UHI) by altering heat absorption and release, affecting local microclimates. Variations in pavement attributes, such as color, material, and roughness, greatly influence urban microclimate intensity. This amplifies energy demand for nearby buildings, particularly during summer when air conditioning usage rises. My research investigates the link between pavement attributes and building energy demand in Toronto, aiming to enhance knowledge on optimal paving design to reduce the city’s energy consumption.”