Landscaping & Turf  |  July 2026

Reducing Heat Stress: with Legacy Building Solutions’ Shade & Airflow System

by Mary
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Heat stress occurs when the body cannot cool itself effectively, leading to fatigue, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Outdoor athletes—particularly student-athletes—are especially vulnerable, with thousands suffering time-loss heat illnesses annually. This risk is driven by rising temperatures and frequent extreme weather events. According to CDC data from 2005–2009, high school athletes experienced an estimated average of 9,200 time-loss heat illnesses per year, mostly in August, and especially in football—by far the most affected sport.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, thousands of heat-related illnesses are reported annually, with dozens of deaths linked to heat exposure. The University Interscholastic League (UIL) in Texas has implemented strict heat safety guidelines, using the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) to evaluate safe playing conditions.

WBGT accounts for temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and wind speed, providing a far more accurate measure of heat stress than temperature alone.

To explore the potential of shade and ventilation in reducing heat stress, Legacy Building Solutions conducted a field study comparing WBGT and turf surface temperatures in two environments:
Outdoors in full sun (typical game/practice conditions)
Indoors within a Legacy Building Solutions structure (shaded and ventilated conditions)

INDEPENDENT CFD MODELING CONFIRMED WHAT MAKES LEGACY’S SYSTEM UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE ON THE MARKET

PROVEN HEAT REDUCTION
Legacy’s specialized building shell—engineered to deliver full shade while still allowing in natural daylight—reduced WBGT by up to 12.8°F on its own.

OPTIMIZED AIR MOVEMENT
Legacy’s custom-designed ventilation system further enhanced performance, delivering uniform airflow that eliminated stagnant hot zones and pushed the total WBGT reduction to as much as 14.5°F.

UNMATCHED ATHLETE SAFETY
Unlike simple shading or basic fan add-ons, Legacy’s integrated building + ventilation solution creates a consistently cooler, safer environment—even on extreme heat days—while preserving the bright, open feel athletes and spectators prefer.

THE RESULT
A safer playing environment, validated by real-world studies and advanced modeling—only achievable with Legacy’s unique building and ventilation package.

CONCLUSION
Legacy Building Solutions’ structures—paired with an engineered airflow package—offer a proven, data-backed solution to mitigate heat stress risks. By combining passive shade design with active air circulation, these buildings:

Lower WBGT to safe ranges
Keep turf surfaces dramatically cooler
Extend safe play times during extreme heat
Support compliance with UIL and OSHA heat safety standards

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About the Author
Mary has worked in marketing and sales management within the plastics manufacturing industry for over 30 years, building strong relationships and helping find practical solutions. She enjoys connecting with people, supporting growth, and bringing experience, reliability, and creativity to every opportunity.
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