WEB GIS PROJECTS

HEAT RISK IN LONDON

RESEARCH/MODELLING/REPORT & GUIDANCE

WSP was commissioned by the client to provide translational research, mapping, report and guidance on heat risk in London. This brief therefore, required an analysis of the current status of the urban heat island whilst keeping in view the increasingly serious issue of poor air quality in London. One of the major adverse effects of the Urban Heat Island is overheating, which has been linked to mortality rates.

• Objective 1: Provide baseline analysis and research on the existing urban heat island, and air quality focus areas;

• Objective 2: Mapping and layering of new opportunity areas, town centres (earmarked for growth) and suburban areas likely to intensify up to 2050;

• Objective 3: Modelling demonstrating how extreme hot weather events, a combination of extreme hot weather and poor air quality events, changing demographics and increased urban developments are increasing heat risk and impacting on the urban heat island and,

a) will allow planners/developers to plot a development and assess current surrounding temperatures and the state of London’s air quality, and what these assessments are expected to be up until 2050 so they can assess risk and put in place mitigating measures and;

b) Once the development is plotted, will allow the user to:

i) See how their development will impact on a surrounding area in terms of temperature and air quality; and

ii) Choose not to develop there/put in place mitigating measures.

• Objective 4: Report including recommendations for intervention to ensure balance between good growth and negative impact on the urban heat island;