Urban Heat : Green Roofs to Decrease Solar Heat in Downtown Paraná

Abstract

Paraná is a quiet and peaceful city. Many people from bigger cities come here to relax and clear their minds. There is a lovely view to the river. The downtown of Paraná is also an area that attracts many visitors. It is situated in the Western and Northern sides of the city, and specially located around the areas of Primero de Mayo square and Government House of Entre Ríos. Currently the downtown of Paraná city undergoes heat in the course of extended time periods, particularly in hot seasons: spring and summer. This is caused by decreasing green areas and vegetation, and because the growth of areas made of concrete and asphalt. These materials easily absorb solar heat and retain it along the mornings and afternoons. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the problem of heat in the center of the city of Paraná presented in spring and summer. I will also discuss green roofs as a proposal to address it, since due because of the characteristics this area has, it usually receives a significant amount of solar heat. What I am going to do is to discuss the causes and consequences of the heat in that area and offer a solution to this problem using green roofs in public buildings and to encourage their installation in private buildings as well. To fulfil my purpose, first, I am going to use some images to describe and show some characteristics of the area I am focusing on. Next, I am going to present the problem. After that, I will use some images of the area to show the effects of the problem. Later, I will present the causes of our problem, and then also the consequences. After that, I am going to present my proposal to address the problem. Finally, I will analyze its positive and negative aspects