Urban Heat Island and Urban Planning in Beirut

Abstract

In Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon, the UHI effect was modelled using the Town Energy Balance (TEB) model. Simulated urban canyon temperatures showed 6oC difference between areas of high vegetation fractions and dense urban fabric areas for summer and 2oC for winter. Various UHI modelling scenarios showed that most appropriate mitigation measures could be achieved by increasing the albedo of rooftops as well as garden fractions. A review of current urban planning and construction codes highlighted an urgent need to reconsider current laws and practices in view of the impact of UHI on thermal comfort levels of urban dwellers.