Spanish Cities Beat the Heat with Innovative Pavements

Cities across Spain are implementing alternative pavements to combat rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect. Traditional asphalt absorbs solar radiation, releasing it as heat and exacerbating high temperatures, especially at night. Spanish municipalities are testing porous pavements that filter rainwater to cool through evaporation and reflective pavements that bounce solar radiation back into the atmosphere.

Barcelona recently tested a reflective aggregate on Martí i Franquès street, comparing its temperature to a conventional asphalt section as part of its Climate Plan. Sevilla is also combining pavement changes with increased tree planting, shade structures, and “climate refuges” for residents.

A recent University of Granada study found that effective cooling strategies vary by city. While reflectivity is key in Seville and Málaga, building density and soil impermeability matter more in Córdoba, and urban geometry is crucial in Granada. Trees remain a highly effective cooling method, potentially lowering temperatures by 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in well-designed parks.