Sustainable systems approach to the hysteresis lag effect of surface materials & urban heat islands

A case example in Phoenix, Arizona, and a research methodology to reduce the hysteresis lag effect of surface materials and to develop policy recommendations based on source science and engineering are discussed. The outdoor laboratory utilized for materials encompassing the regional surface urban fabric, is Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. As a resultant of the extreme temperatures in the desert southwest, sub-surface soils in the rhizosphere reach levels exceeding 40°C, which reduces the development and health of urban forestry. The system provides an estimated 178,000 kWh per annum and reduces water usage by 1.3L per kW as required by conventional fossil fuel plants.