News Story: The Skokie, Illinois-based consulting firm CTLGroup has announced the results of new research indicating that the solar reflectance of concrete is highly effective in limiting the heat-island effect that is common in urban building.

A heat island is a local area of elevated temperature in a region of cooler temperatures. Heat islands occur where there is a preponderance of dark exterior building materials and pavements, along with a lack of vegetation, typically in urban areas. The research was sponsored by the Portland Cement Association and conducted by CTLGroup.

The project involved the testing of 45 sets of concrete samples. All 45 sets, regardless of mix, met the required criteria for LEED certification.

The mixes were created using a number of different components, including recovered materials such as fly ash or slag cement. The solar reflectance of the cement proved to have more effect on the solar reflectance of the concrete than any other constituent material, researchers said.

CTLGroup said this is the first time the solar reflectance of concrete has been examined in relation to LEED points and is the most comprehensive study of the solar reflectance of concrete to date.