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DALLAS - City of Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson joined four other mayors in partnership with the Smart Surfaces Coalition (SSC) to announce a multiyear project to cool cities and metropolitan areas with Smart Surfaces: a cost-effective integrated solution including reflective (cool) roofs and pavements, green roofs, solar energy, porous pavements, rain gardens and trees.
“An investment in Smart Surfaces is a win for Dallas residents,” Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson said. “Leveraging this intelligent and cost-effective technology will cool our neighborhoods during hot Texas summers, reduce residents’ energy expenses and minimize the impact of flash flooding events.”
The mayors of Atlanta, Boston, Columbia (South Carolina), Dallas, and New Orleans signed up for the Cities for Smart Surfaces program, joining the city of Baltimore, recognizing that Smart Surfaces rapidly deliver climate change mitigation and adaptation.
“This July 4 was the hottest day on Earth in recorded history. City residents worry and need city leaders to understand which surfaces can deliver cooler, healthier neighborhoods, save money and be implemented immediately,” said Greg Kats, founder and CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition. “When cities embrace Smart Surfaces — from rooftops to roads — residents win.”
Initiatives like the Smart Surfaces Coalition serve the City’s overall Climate Action Plan goal to reduce the urban heat island index by 20%, 50% and 75% by 2030, 2040, 2050, respectively.
“Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather event,” Office of Environmental Quality and Sustainability Director Carlos Evans said. “Dallas will continue to experience extreme heat events, so it’s imperative we do all we can to find achievable ways to cool our city.”
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