A plain English explanation of this ACT planning and property term.
The urban heat island effect is created by the built environment (such as buildings and paving) absorbing, trapping and then releasing heat. This leads to increased temperatures and prevents night time cooling.
Built-up areas can become hotter because roofs and hard paving absorb and re-radiate heat while vegetation and soil moisture are reduced. Canopy trees, deep soil, shading, lighter surfaces and reduced unnecessary paving help moderate this effect.