Modelling the Urban Heat Island Intensities of Alternative Urban Growth Management Policies in Brisbane

When urban areas experience higher temperature than their surrounding rural areas, this phenomenon is called the urban heat island (UHI) effect. UHI contributes to global warming. Urban planning policy plays a significant role in controlling the UHI. This study examines the UHI effects of urban planning policy scenarios for Brisbane, including: a) business as usual; b) transit oriented development; c) infill development; d) motorway oriented development; and e) sprawl development. The findings show Infill development will be effective but will generate pockets of extreme UHI. Sprawl development will generate a moderate UHI effect but will be distributed throughout the city.