Albuquerque pilots cool-pavement coatings and lighter-colored asphalt on selected DMD repaving projects to lower surface temperatures, primarily in Climate Resiliency Action Plan priority neighborhoods near downtown and the International District.
Cool pavement is a Department of Municipal Development pilot, not a private mandate. DMD has trialed solar-reflective coatings on local streets in priority equity zones identified by the Climate Resiliency Action Plan. The Sustainability Office monitors pavement temperatures and resident heat exposure. Future expansion depends on durability data and cost. Private redevelopment is encouraged, not required, to use lighter aggregates. The pilot complements IDO shade tree rules and regional efforts to manage Sandia-amplified summer heat.
No private violations apply. Failure of contractors to install pilot coatings to specification is handled through standard public works contract enforcement.
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque's 2021 Climate Action Plan and Climate Resiliency Action Plan set citywide greenhouse gas reduction targets, build heat and drought resilience, a...
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque promotes heat island mitigation through shade tree requirements, light-colored paving on city projects, and IDO landscape standards that limit da...
See how Albuquerque's cool pavement rules stack up against other locations.
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