Artificial turf is a common sight in densely populated urban areas. However, these areas are notoriously hot and do not filter rain adequately, contributing to the urban heat island effect.
However, a scientific study published on Frontiers in Sustainable Cities shows a practical solution to the problem. By installing underground water storage and capillary irrigation systems, researchers were able to reduce surface temperatures compared to traditional artificial turf.
This method could help cool cities, which can be 15 to 20 degrees warmer than less built-up areas.
Artificial turf is widely used in recreational and professional sports in both the United States and Europe. According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, the market value was nearly $2.7 billion in 2020. This value is expected to more than double by 2027.
The idea was that they require less maintenance, don’t get muddy, and can be resistant to mold and bacteria. However, they also contribute to increased water runoff and become dangerously hot when the sun beats down on the surface.
The new cooling alternative starts with an 85-millimeter-thick base layer called Permavoid 85S. This stores water beneath the artificial surface and includes irrigation. It was originally developed for use with green roofs, the study notes.
Further details revealed that artificial turf can regularly exceed the heat pain threshold of 45 degrees Celsius due to the high temperatures. In fact, areas with artificial turf need to be watered to make them safer.
During the study’s tests in Amsterdam, which took place partly during a heatwave in June, the cooled turf reached 37 °C (98.6 °F), while natural grass was measured at 35 °C (95.5 °F). This is a significant difference compared to the results of conventional artificial turf, which soared to 62 °C (144.5 °F).
This is good news for artificial turf advocates and even better news for cities where natural grass options are limited in certain areas.
The elephant in the room, however, is that it is better for the environment and our health to use greener solutions. Despite this improved cooling technology, artificial grass is still full of plastics and per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, or “forever chemicals.”
While you should try to avoid using plastics in your everyday life, there are also many natural lawn solutions, provided you don’t live in an unnatural urban environment.
Some sports facilities continue to use natural grass, although it does require maintenance. For private homes, there are a variety of grass alternatives if you are tired of mowing and watering the lawns.
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