SOCIETY 1056 BLOG

Have you ever noticed how cities tend to feel warmer than the surrounding countryside, especially on hot summer days? That’s because of something called the urban heat island effect.

Essentially, all the concrete, asphalt, and buildings in cities absorb and retain heat from the sun, making urban areas hotter than their rural counterparts. This effect can lead to higher temperatures, increased energy use for cooling, and even health risks during heatwaves. But don’t worry, there are ways to combat it like planting more trees, using lighter-colored materials in construction, and creating green spaces to cool things down. By understanding and addressing the urban heat island effect, we can make our cities more comfortable and sustainable for everyone.

Quickly becoming one of Melbourne’s most sustainable communities, Society 1056 is committed to reducing the urban heat island effect of our neighbourhood. By integrating high canopy shadeway streets, planting 5,000 new trees, developing 9ha of open green space, and using a lighter-pigmented road material, Society 1056 will be up to 7 degrees cooler in summer!