Over time, urbanization has replaced green spaces with heat-trapping asphalt and dark rooftops.
With significantly higher temperatures, these "urban heat islands" pose a major public health threat, disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations and communities of color who often lack access to green spaces and infrastructure upgrades.
APHA is excited to partner with the Smart Surfaces Coalition on the Cities for Smart Surfaces project, along with the National League of Cities, Metropolitan AME, American Lung Association and many others. 
This groundbreaking project brings together six APHA affiliates from across the country to explore the potential of smart surfaces to improve public health in urban environments.
What are smart surfaces?
Smart surfaces are transformative technologies to help cities withstand the health effects of climate change.
For example:
- Reflective (cool) roofs and pavements help cool cities by reflecting sunlight, reducing the urban heat island effect.
- Green roofs covered with vegetation provide insulation, absorb rainwater and enhance air quality.
- Trees, forming urban forests, play a crucial role in cooling and improving overall well-being.
- Solar photovoltaics, or solar panels, generate clean energy while reducing heat absorption.
- Rain gardens manage stormwater, prevent flooding and enhance biodiversity.
Why do smart surfaces matter?
Smart surfaces build climate resilience and improve public health by:
- Mitigating extreme heat. As global temperatures rise, cities face more frequent and intense heat waves. Smart surfaces like reflective roofs and green spaces help cool urban areas, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Preventing flooding. Intense rainfall events lead to urban flooding. Smart surfaces like rain gardens and permeable pavements manage stormwater effectively, preventing floods and safeguarding communities.
- Reducing heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat poses a significant health risk, especially for vulnerable populations. Smart surfaces mitigate heat island effects, making cities healthier and more livable.
- Improving air quality. Trees, green roofs and reflective pavements improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and reducing emissions. Cleaner air translates to better respiratory health for residents.
- Boosting mental well-being. Access to green spaces and aesthetically pleasing environments positively impacts mental health. Smart surfaces enhance urban aesthetics, promoting well-being.
Our Approach
We’re proud to collaborate with six APHA affiliates by providing grants and training to raise awareness about smart surfaces’ benefits, influence local policies and planning, and drive regional smart surface projects:
- Florida Public Health Association:
The Florida Public Health Association aims to tackle heat and flooding challenges in Jacksonville through various approaches. Through focus groups, city initiatives, and public outreach, they are enhancing awareness and driving action on vital climate issues.
- Georgia Public Health Association
- Louisiana Public Health Association:
The Louisiana Public Health Association is focused on building partnerships, engaging communities, and promoting public health messaging to guide city-wide climate policy. Their goal is to create a cooler, safer, and more resilient New Orleans.
- North Carolina Public Health Association:
The North Carolina Public Health Association will be providing education, training and awareness to NCPHA members regarding climate, extreme heat and public health response. They are also partnering with the City of Charlotte to articulate and promote the public health benefits of the city’s planned work with smart surfaces. Lastly, they will use their experience partnering with the City of Charlotte to develop a resource guide for other local health departments interested in partnering with local city and county governments to promote the health benefits of Smart Surfaces and other climate-related actions.
- Oregon Public Health Association:
The Oregon Public Health Association is building partnerships and creating alliances through their Smart Surfaces initiatives. They are partnering with CAPA Strategies to bridge the connection between heat, housing, and health through focus groups with tenants and owners of affordable housing units in high heat burden areas. They are also developing a town hall on heat and health with the Oregon ECHO Network, in partnership with the American Lunch Association, which will provide education and resources to medical providers in the Portland-metro area and across Oregon.
- South Carolina Public Health Association:
The South Carolina Public Health Association’s vision for the Smart Surfaces project is to facilitate a cooler Columbia. For reference, CAPA Strategies, LLC noted in its 2022 Heat Watch Report for Columbia, SC that the temperature differential between downtown Columbia and the city outskirts is 18.5 degrees. Expected long-term outcomes include more greenspace in Columbia; beneficial local planning and zoning changes; a more informed citizenry; and additional Smart Surfaces advocates, partners, and practitioners. SCPHA is partnering and engaged with the Smart Surfaces Coalition, the City of Columbia, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, USC, the SC Energy Office, SC Interfaith Power & Light, and others.
Our commitment to health equity is ingrained throughout the project. Through an equity lens, we assess how smart surface projects impact different communities, ensuring no one is left behind. Our Affiliates also focus on community engagement as they involve residents, especially those in underserved areas, to co-create solutions.
Stay Connected!
We invite you to follow along with the Cities for Smart Surfaces initiative as it unfolds. We will be sharing updates on the project's progress, key findings, and resources on this webpage. Additionally, you can connect with us on social media using the hashtag #CitiesForSmartSurfaces.
Learn more about the project.
Together, we can build cooler, healthier and more sustainable cities for all!