Investigation of proper material selection for rainwater harvesting in squares having higher urban heat island effect potential: KBU Social Life Center example

Abstract

With the revolution in industrialization, the gas amount emitted into the atmosphere grew, causing global warming and climate change. This developing shift has a detrimental impact on natural resources and hastens their decline. Water is one of the natural resources that has been impacted. Water scarcity is becoming a problem due to causes known to be urbanization, population increase and climate change. With regards to sustainable architecture, rainwater collection from buildings for its efficient use, application of simple water treatment processes and its reuse are considered to be among the precautions that may be taken in order to save water. In addition to playing a role in reducing water resources, urbanization has another detrimental characteristic, such as creating heat islands with highly impermeable surfaces. Top cover designs that promote green spaces and minimize heat island impacts are the most effective way for minimizing the detrimental effects that heat islands have on outdoor thermal comfort in urban settings. Therefore, a top cover was proposed in this study for mitigating the effect of heat island observed in KBU Social Life Center square that may be characterized as a vast heat island within the campus, as well as to bring it in feature of collecting rainwater in its immense area. Materials to be used in the proposed top cover as well as the factors affecting the selection of material were determined in terms of efficiency in rainwater collection and the mitigation of urban heat island effect. A considerably optimum material that can be used in the cover was determined by one of the multi-criteria decision-making methods known to be PROMETHEE method. As a consequence of its pricing, roof efficiency, and albedo coefficient qualities, the polycarbonate panel material has been chosen as the most acceptable material to be used for the suggested top cover.