BNQ 3019-190/2013

The purpose of this guide is to provide information, guidelines and recommendations to improve the thermal performance of parking lots in order to reduce the urban heat island effect. The guide presents the properties of urban heat islands, urban heat island mitigation measures and reference documents on this topic. This guide focuses on certain development practices like the use of natural green spaces, landscape techniques, road surfaces and infrastructure relating to stormwater runoff and other land uses. It provides examples and recommendations for developing parking lots. This guide applies to the development and redevelopment of off-street parking lots, whether small or large. It applies to existing parking lots, projected parking lots or parking lots due to be renovated. This guide is intended for designers, landscape architects, municipalities, agencies, government departments and parking lot owners.