Cooling Potential of Cool Roofs

Reflective roofs can lower temperatures, bringing a wide range of benefits. Yet a WRI analysis of 78 cities shows they make up just 1% of roof area. Image by Marco Brivio/iStock Cities and towns in the Mediterranean and the Middle East have long used white or light-colored roofs and walls to help keep people cool. Today, cities from Ahmedabad to Singapore are also turning to cool roofs to reduce urban heat and lower energy demand. By reflecting rather than absorbing the sun’s energy, cool roofs can lower temperatures inside buildings and, when deployed citywide, reduce heat across entire neighborhoods. It’s a relatively simple solution to extreme heat in cities, yet it can bring big benefits to public health and energy use.