Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, USA have recommended the use of concrete pavements for new and rehabilitation of cities sidewalks citing that, “Concrete, for example, is generally more reflective than other artificial surfaces. It requires aggregates—small rocks or other granular materials that help to give it strength—and using brighter stones or slag, a light-colored byproduct of steel production, can create even more reflective concrete.”
The full discussion can be accessed here:
https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/what-can-cities-and-towns-do-lower-extreme-temperatures