Climate change mitigation: a case for innovative tools to regulate building heat emission in cities

Purpose This paper contends that, over time, urban areas contribute significantly to rising temperatures at the scales of both micro and macro climates. Building structures are identified in the literature as a primary source of urban heat generation. This paper aims to focus solely on the physical aspects of buildings, excluding operational functions and user amenities that account for heat absorption and emission by building structures. Currently, no city incorporates the propensity of buildings to emit heat as a criterion for building approval. Arguing that regulating this criterion can help mitigate urban heat, this paper addresses the pivotal question: What compelling case exists for implementing a diagnostic and regulatory framework or tool to assist cities in approving buildings that emit less heat? Design/methodology/approach This research used the desktop research and evidence-based methods to source information to rationalize the need for an innovative regulatory tool that would enable cities to approve buildings with reduced heat emissions. Such a tool would complement existing climate change mitigation green building strategies in urban areas. Findings Through a systematic literature review, this research identified four main themes influencing urban heat from buildings: green infrastructure, building envelope, materials and urban morphology. Despite extensive scholarly discussion of these factors, a critical gap remains about their integration into systematic diagnostic and regulatory frameworks or tools for the approval of low-heat-emission buildings. Practical implications The findings underscore the necessity for governments to combine both technological and policy initiatives to mitigate climate change causes and impacts. By integrating tools that promote low-heat-emission buildings into regulatory frameworks, cities can significantly enhance their sustainability efforts. Originality/value This research contributes by highlighting the urgent need for cities to adopt proactive regulatory measures in climate change mitigation, specifically focusing on reducing heat emissions from buildings.