Map Impact
Tackling Urban Heat Risk - Mitigating heat islands effects for healthier communities
Tackling Urban Heat Risk - Mitigating heat islands effects for healthier communities
Details:
- Company: Map Impact
- Client: Livv Housing Group
- Year: 2024
- Region: England
- Product: HeatView
Service areas:
- Community engagement
- Environmental and sustainability services
- Organisational digital transformation
Introduction
In partnership with Livv Housing Group, Map Impact utilized HeatView™ to assign risk scores to 13,000 homes based on satellite thermal imaging data collected from 2021 to 2023. The analysis revealed that 5% of the housing stock fell into the “very high risk” category. This granular data allowed Livv to integrate findings with climate modelling provided by Zurich Resilience Solutions, creating a comprehensive framework for decision-making and implementing a mitigation strategy.
Challenges
The frequency and intensity of heatwaves in the UK are increasing, with the five hottest days on record occurring within the last five years (Met Office, 2023). Yet, the property sector has primarily concentrated on addressing cold-weather challenges, such as energy efficiency and fuel poverty, while giving relatively little attention to the risks posed by extreme heat. This oversight is particularly concerning given the UK’s ageing housing stock, much of which was designed for cooler climates and is ill-equipped to handle prolonged periods of heat.
Solutions
By utilising satellite imagery to understand land surface temperature, patterns and trends in hot weather conditions could be objectively understood across the Livv property portfolio in the Knowsley and Liverpool City Region. The results indicated the locations most impacted by the Urban Heat Island effect (a phenomenon where built up areas are significantly warmer than their surroundings), by assigning a hazard category to every property (Low, Medium or High).
Results
Livv’s efforts demonstrate how data-driven strategies can inform smarter investment decisions, even under financial constraint. For instance, the project’s estimated cost of £10,000 is projected to generate long-term savings exceeding £1 million by preventing heat-related damage and reducing energy costs.
Moreover, the integration of green infrastructure has enhanced community well-being. Residents benefit from improved air quality, increased outdoor comfort, and the psychological benefits of green spaces. Importantly, the project highlights the role of proactive climate adaptation in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those with health conditions that are exacerbated by extreme heat.
Moreover, the integration of green infrastructure has enhanced community well-being. Residents benefit from improved air quality, increased outdoor comfort, and the psychological benefits of green spaces. Importantly, the project highlights the role of proactive climate adaptation in protecting vulnerable populations, particularly those with health conditions that are exacerbated by extreme heat.
We spent £10,000, but the savings even on 5% of our estate could be in excess of £1m over time. Being aware of climate risks keeps you informed and allows better investment decisions. If you have this information, it changes the type of improvement work you are undertaking.
Tony Cahill
Executive Director Property, Livv Housing Group