Cool Roofs Can Reduce Carbon Emissions

Research has been underway for more than 20 years to determine the most efficient ways to keep roof tops cooler, and the homes they protect more energy efficient. Most of the work has been done by he U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory to measure the energy-saving benefits of solar radiation control coatings on roofs and light-colored roofing products on summer urban heat islands (dry and impervious areas that strongly absorb light).

Studies show that in warm or hot climates, substituting a cool roof for a conventional roof can not only reduce the annual air-conditioning energy use of a single-story building by up to 15 percent, but also cool interior spaces in buildings that do not have air conditioning, making occupants more comfortable.

To learn about the other benefits of cool roofs, click here to readthe full U.S. DOE-sponsored white paper.