What Communities are Doing to Reduce Heat Islands
Many communities have taken steps to reduce urban heat islands. Voluntary initiatives include demonstration projects, incentive programs, urban forestry efforts, weatherization programs, outreach and education, and awards to recognize and encourage heat island reduction activities. Policy initiatives include procurement, resolutions, tree and landscape ordinances, comprehensive plans and design guidelines, zoning codes, green building standards, building codes, and air quality standards.
EPA maintains a Community Actions Database for heat island activities, searchable by state, initiative, or strategy.
Many communities are working to address Heat Islands and Equity. Explore three Local Heat Equity Examples.

Chapter Five of EPA's Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies provides additional information, including the following topics:
- Voluntary efforts, including demonstration projects, incentives, urban forestry programs, weatherization, outreach and education programs, and awards.
- Policy efforts, including procurement, resolutions, tree and landscape ordinances, comprehensive plans and design guidelines, zoning codes, green building programs and standards, building codes, and air quality requirements.