Sustainable Urban Heat Islands and Role of Urban CO₂-Offsetting Mechanisms

Dear Colleagues,

As you all know, urban areas are responsible for more than 70% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, largely due to the intensity of human activities and the concentration of pollutant-emitting sources. At the same time, cities face a combination of interrelated factors such as high concentrations of climate-altering gases, anthropogenic heat emissions, limited vegetation cover, reduced natural ventilation, and the widespread use of construction materials with low albedo and a high thermal capacity. Together with the complex urban geometry that amplifies the canyon effect, these conditions lead to the development and persistence of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon, which exacerbates local temperature rise, increases energy demand, and negatively affects air quality and public health.

Addressing the UHI effect therefore requires integrated and sustainable urban planning strategies that are capable of reducing both thermal and carbon impacts. The concept of a Sustainable Urban Heat Island (SUHI) focuses on mitigating this phenomenon through environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient approaches. Sustainable UHI strategies combine high-reflectance and cool materials, vegetated roofs and façades, expanded green and blue infrastructures, and optimized urban morphology to enhance natural ventilation and thermal balance.

In recent years, growing attention has been devoted to CO₂-offsetting mechanisms—including urban forestry, reflective and high-albedo surfaces, and other nature-based solutions—which not only contribute to carbon sequestration but also generate synergistic benefits in terms of temperature regulation and improved air quality. These integrated measures strengthen the connection between heat mitigation, emission reduction, and climate adaptation, providing a comprehensive framework for sustainable and resilient urban development.

This Special Issue invites contributions addressing innovative methods, modeling approaches, and experimental studies devoted to understanding, mitigating, and adapting to the UHI effect in a sustainable manner, promoting urban environments that are more resilient, energy-efficient, and climate-responsive under changing environmental conditions.

Dr. Mirko Filipponi
Guest Editor

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