Studies throughout the last decade have shown that cities and urban areas are 3 to 8 °F (2 to 4°C) warmer than surrounding areas due to the heat island effect. Scientists have discovered that this temperature difference is attributed to more buildings and pavements that have taken the place of trees and vegetation that provide shade and reduce temperatures at the surface.

The daily temperature rise on hot days results in an increase in the peak energy consumption in due to an increase in the air conditioning load. Smog levels have also been correlated to temperature rise. Thus, as the temperature of urban areas increases, so does the probability of smog and pollution.

Concrete roofs and pavements provide reflective surfaces that minimize the urban heat island effect. Urban heat islands are primarily attributed to horizontal surfaces such as roofs and pavements that absorb solar radiation. Light-colored materials with higher solar reflectance (albedo), such as concrete, will reduce the heat island effect, save energy by reducing the demand for air conditioning, and improve air quality.

A composite index called the solar reflectance index (SRI) is used by the U.S. Green Building Council and others to estimate how hot a surface will get when exposed to full sun. The SRI is used to determine the effect of the reflectance and emittance on the surface temperature, and varies from 100 for a standard white surface to zero for a standard black surface. Materials with the highest SRI are the coolest and the most appropriate choice for mitigating the heat island effect.

Concrete surfaces can earn a LEED for New Construction and Major Renovation (LEED-NC version 2.2) credit through Sustainable Sites Credit 7.1: “Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof.” The intent of this credit is to reduce the heat island effect and can be met if materials that stay cool in sunlight are used on at least half of the site’s non-roof impervious surfaces, such as roads, sidewalks, courtyards, and parking lots. The material’s SRI must be at least 29. Sustainable Sites Credit 7.2: "Heat Island Effect: Roof" can also be achieved with concrete.  The threshold for the roof credit is 75% of the roof with an SRI of 78 or better for low-slope and 29 or better for steep-slope.

Solar reflectance (albedo), Emittance, and Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of select material surfaces