Mission

Heat Island Program

Program Benefits

Implementation

UHI Mapping

Roof programs

Greenhouse Gases

LINKS

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GEM designs and manages program implementation to maximize the cost-effectiveness of UHI mitigation. GEM increases program efficiency and reduces implementation costs through the use of advanced technologies and economic strategies.

Advanced remote sensing and computer technology are employed to target and prioritize mitigation sites.

A central online marketplace reduces costs for business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) transactions by providing an economy of scale at the national level.

Program funding is leveraged against related activities from federal, state and private environmental programs.

Economic incentives and educational outreach increase public support of program implementation.

Strategic relationships with industry, government and environmental non-profit organizations provide mechanisms to establish self-sustaining program implementation into the future.

Implementation Activities

Analysis and Planning

  • Map and classify surface cover across a metropolitan region:
    - Remote sensing initiatives;
    - Modeling initiatives;
    - GIS initiatives;
  • Identify and prioritize optimum sites of maximum potential for increased albedo and vegetation;
  • Identify specific mitigation measures that offer the largest cooling potential at the least cost;
  • Deploy a systematic UHI mitigation plan for implementation based on economic incentive;
  • Install estimation and measurement system for on-going site verification & monitoring.

Program Coordination and Outreach

  • Establish strategic relationships, which assist in implementing UHI mitigation measures;
  • Leverage off existing networks from strategic partners and related programs:
    - Rebuild America, Energy Star, Climate Change, Brownfields, emission credit programs, energy efficiency incentive programs, and urban greening, etc.;
  • Accelerate program adoption through economic incentives to property owners and contractors:
    - Loans, Subsidies, Grants, Rebates (energy bills, health insurance premiums, etc.).
  • Produce marketing, public relations and outreach efforts:
    - Television and radio: urban heat island information in the news; documentaries on air quality, energy efficiency, and global warming;
    - Direct mail campaign with corporate partners (e.g., inserts in electric bills);
  • Provide educational outreach through universities and K-12 school participation;
  • Produce an educational web site describing program benefits, opportunities and activities.

E-Commerce and Economy

  • Manage an online marketplace for program transactions involving products, services, and related activities;
  • Establish economy of scale and program effciencies at a national level;
  • Manage external relationships among clients, consumers, service providers, manufacturers, and government.

Roofing, Paving and Greening

  • Manage contracts for site modifications; including roofing, paving and greening;
  • Manage distribution of materials;
  • Manage on-going implementation activities.

Continue to next section on "UHI mapping."

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