This new project aims to cool down Riyadh streets and buildings soon
Scorching summers be gone
While we love Riyadh in every season, summers in the city might just be the only negative on our list (and we know you agree). That’s all going to change soon, though, when the Riyadh Cooling Project launches.
The major new urban cooling project in Riyadh aims to reduce temperatures on roads, walls and other urban surfaces by up to 15 degrees Celsius, according to a report by Al Eqtisadiah, per Saudi Gazette.
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The Riyadh Cooling Project is expected to be fully functional by next year and has been designed with the urban heat island effect in mind. The phenomenon causes cities to experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to dense infrastructure and heat-absorbing materials.
According to the report, the initiative aims to reduce surface temperatures by between 8°C and 15°C. The project is still awaiting the completion of studies and final approvals. As of right now, cost estimates have not yet been disclosed.
Greek consulting firm PLANET has been appointed the lead consultant for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City on the project, which includes developing a comprehensive city cooling strategy. The preparations include urban planning and construction guidelines, as well as the identification of five pilot areas to test cooling solutions before wider implementation.
The company announced on May 14 that it had been selected to support a strategic initiative to tackle urban heat challenges in one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
The project is expected to complement existing initiatives in Riyadh, including King Salman Park, but with a broader focus that goes beyond tree planting to address the design and structure of the city itself. Proposed solutions include the use of innovative road-surfacing materials, open water channels, evaporation ponds, and expanded green cover to help reduce temperatures in targeted areas.
For more information, please visit: planet.gr
Images: Getty
