Introduction to eco-efficient materials to mitigate building cooling needs

Abstract

Climate change is a worrying problem of unprecedented magnitude originated by greenhouse gas emissions. It encompasses increased mean temperature and heat waves that are responsible for aggravating Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. This is not only responsible for an escalation of health problems and human deaths, but it also leads to an increase of building cooling needs. This chapter reviews aspects of climate change, including UHI. Attention is dedicated to adaptation and mitigation related issues, especially to the greening of the building envelope. An outline of the book is included.