Interesting concept- Windcatchers! Tough to install in urban environment I think.

Our house is 103 years old and fortunately well insulated. We have had multiple days in the 90s over the past few weeks as well as many in the mid-80s here in Grand Rapids Michigan. I have found when coming home in the afternoon at 400-430pm after work that if we keep the windows closed and shades drawn there is almost a ten degree difference (cooler) in the house than outside.

We do not have central air so we do not have that running all the time. We bought, over the years, three floor standing AC units and one window unit. Two floor models are upstairs in the master and guest bedrooms. One floor model is in the living room. The window unit goes in our den and is on low cool for most of the day when we are at work and expecting a hot day because we have an Akita dog who has a thick coat.

We have only used the AC unit in the living room perhaps 2-3 days the entire year. The floor units in the bedrooms get used as needed only when we go to bed.

I too have considered the irony of running AC from fossil fuel generated electricity.

I am considering running for our local city council with, among other issues on my platform, to push the city to be more aggressive adding tree cover especially in our low income areas of the city. Studies show the minority and low income areas have less percentage of tree cover than more well off areas. I also want to push for any new pavement installed for roads to be of a lighter color. Blacktop ashphalt is literally a heat sink!

Any other thoughts on what a city might do to combat heat in urban areas for the greater good?