https://arab.news/rfk3r
- 25,000 square meters around Namirah mosque are being covered in a cool pavement material that absorbs less solar radiation than regular materials
RIYADH: An asphalt surface cooling initiative has been expanded to the area surrounding the Namirah Mosque in Arafat, the Roads General Authority said on Thursday.
25,000 square meters around the mosque, the second largest in the Makkah region after the Grand Mosque, are being covered in a cool pavement material that absorbs less solar radiation than regular materials.
During the day, roads absorb heat that can reach up to 70°C. Roads then release this heat at night, causing a phenomenon known as the “Urban heat island effect” which leads to increased energy consumption and air pollution.
“Cool pavements,” made from locally produced materials capable of absorbing less solar radiation by reflecting it, are being used to lower surface temperatures, the authority said.
Using the “cool pavements” material around the Namirah Mosque, where many pilgrims will pray the Dhuhr and Asr prayers on the second day of Hajj and its pinnacle, will reduce the temperature around them while they walk, the authority said.