Morocco Replaces Asphalt with Permeable Pavement to Combat Urban Heat

Morocco is replacing traditional black asphalt with permeable pavement in Marrakech and Agadir to reduce the urban heat island effect, where asphalt temperatures can reach 60°C even when air temperature is 40°C Source: El Mundo. The new material allows water to filter into the ground, creating a cooling effect through evaporation Source: El Español.

How It Works

Unlike conventional asphalt, which absorbs 80–95% of solar radiation and releases heat at night, the permeable pavement acts as a sponge Source: El Español. It stores moisture underground, and as water evaporates, it consumes heat from the surface, lowering temperatures Source: Infobae. This passive cooling reduces the need for air conditioning and helps regulate urban climates Source: El Mundo.

Additional Benefits

The pavement also improves road safety by reducing aquaplaning and tire wear from extreme heat Source: El Español. For electric vehicles, it can slightly increase range by reducing air conditioning load Source: El Español. The project is part of the "Marrakech, Ciudad Sostenible" program (launched 2023), backed by the Global Environment Facility Source: Infobae. It also incorporates traditional architecture, such as adobe buildings, and urban greening to create shade corridors .