Innovative Self-Cooling Turf Could Transform Urban Sports Fields

Researchers in the Netherlands develop artificial turf with subsurface water storage to combat heat and improve safety.

New turf design reduces surface temperatures by up to 46°F compared to conventional artificial turf.
The system uses rainwater harvesting and capillary irrigation to cool the turf naturally.
Field tests showed the self-cooling turf reached temperatures close to natural grass.
This technology could also help mitigate urban flooding by improving stormwater management.
Initial installation costs are higher, but long-term benefits include increased safety and reduced health risks.