Evaluating Urban Heat Island Mitigation Strategies in Rajshahi, Using ENVI-Met: A Remote Sensing Approach

Nafis Sadat (Construction Engineering and Management, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada)
Hameem Sheikh (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh)
Md Asaduzzaman (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh)

Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs
Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024): Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs

The Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect is a critical environmental challenge in the 21st century, intensified by rapid urbanization and industrialization. This study focuses on Rajshahi, a rapidly urbanizing city in Bangladesh, where the UHI effect has already begun to manifest significantly. Utilizing ENVI-met software, a comprehensive analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of urban vegetation strategies, such as green roofs and street planting, in mitigating local temperatures and improving outdoor thermal comfort in Rajshahi's Central Business District. The findings reveal that these mitigation strategies can reduce air temperatures by up to 10 Kelvin, providing substantial cooling benefits. This research highlights the importance of integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to combat the UHI effect, enhance sustainability, and improve the overall livability of urban environments. The study offers valuable insights and practical recommendations for urban planners and policymakers, aiming to foster resilient and sustainable urban development in rapidly growing cities like Rajshahi.