E – 3065 Urban Heat Island Mitigation – The Roles of Landscapes and Green Roofs

As cities worldwide grapple with rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves, understanding how to cool our urban environments has never been more critical. This 3-credit hours course takes you from the science of why cities become thermal hotspots—sometimes 10°F warmer than surrounding areas, to the proven strategies transforming them into cooler, more livable spaces. You’ll explore how a single mature tree can deliver the cooling power of two air conditioners, why green roofs slash surface temperatures by 30–40°F, and how strategic landscape design creates comfortable microclimates in even the densest neighborhoods. Through compelling case studies from Singapore’s “City in a Garden” initiative to Philadelphia’s $2.4 billion green infrastructure program, you’ll discover the policy frameworks, design principles, and implementation strategies that are reshaping urban environments around the globe. Whether you’re an architect, landscape professional, urban planner, or sustainability specialist, this course equips you with the technical knowledge and practical tools to combat urban heat while advancing stormwater management, biodiversity, public health, and environmental justice in the communities you serve.