Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free LEED Green Associate Practice Questions

Heat island mitigation requires coordinated roof and site measures. On roofs, high-albedo membranes, coatings, or vegetated assemblies reflect or absorb less solar heat, lowering surface temperatures and rooftop HVAC loads. On the ground plane, shade trees, canopies, and structures over parking reduce direct solar exposure, while light-colored or permeable pavements limit heat absorption and can also improve stormwater performance. Consolidating or covering parking further shrinks exposed area. Increasing building height is not a reliable compliance pathway and can create other urban design issues. Dark pavers and conventional asphalt exacerbate heat gain. By integrating reflective/green roofs, shading, and high-performance pavements, teams improve pedestrian thermal comfort, reduce cooling demand, and support broader site goals like stormwater control and urban ecology. These measures also offer visible educational value, demonstrating tangible climate adaptation strategies in the built environment and reinforcing the holistic nature of Sustainable Sites credits that link comfort, energy, and water outcomes.