Phoenix, known for its scorching summer days with temperatures often exceeding 110 degrees, is home to several outdoor malls. In an effort to make shopping more comfortable during these extreme conditions, mall giant Vestar has partnered with Arizona State University’s Southwest Integrated Field Laboratory (SW-IFL) to launch the first-ever “Cool Pavement Project” at Desert Ridge Marketplace.
The project aims to combat the “Urban Heat Island Effect,” which occurs in communities dense with impervious and solar-absorbing materials. To achieve this goal, Vestar will be using CoolSeal by GuardTop®, a water-based asphalt coating that reflects heat instead of absorbing it. This innovative solution is expected not only lower street and parking lot temperatures but also reduce energy and water consumption over time.
Paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and parking lots cover approximately 40% of Phoenix’s land area and contribute significantly to warming ambient urban air on hot days. By implementing CoolSeal technology in their properties like Desert Ridge Marketplace, Vestar hopes not only improve the customer shopping experience but also mitigate elevated temperatures in surrounding communities.
