Houston/Harris County is no stranger to hot weather, but due to several factors it is getting warmer. And some of our communities are even warmer than others because of the Urban Heat Island Effect – caused by the built environment.

The extent that a neighborhood increases the energy efficiency of buildings and incorporates green spaces, green infrastructure, trees and other shade structures, heat-absorbing materials such as light colored “cool” roofs and “cool” pavement and all play a role in cooling the surrounding air.

With summer temperatures routinely reaching triple digits, any increase in extreme heat due to increased urban development and climate change will negatively impact our quality of life and public health