Heatwaves....can green roofs really cool us down?

Understanding Heat Islands - Why Green Roofs can cool us down! What is a heat island? The heat island effect - The term 'Heat Island' describes built up areas (urban) where temperatures are much higher than its surrounding rural areas. Everyone has experienced this, even in a small scale. The feeling when you walk from a built up areas into a park or open space with trees and plants, you instantly feel cooler. You are experiencing the effects of the Heat Island Effect. The Heat Island effect is created due to large populations, the increased amount of buildings, cars, industrial sites and polution.