White roofs can be more effective at reducing the urban heat-island effect than darker roofs and roofs covered with plants, according to a report by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. White roofs also cost less.
The report, Economic Comparison of White, Green, and Black Flat Roofs In the United States,says that white roofs are three times more effective than green roofs at “cooling the globe.” Researchers analyzed 22 commercial flat roof projects in the U.S. and performed a 50-year life cycle cost analysis.
They assumed a 20-year service life for black roofs and white roofs, and 40 years for green roofs. White roofs save $25 per square meter compared to black roofs and green roofs cost $71 per square meter more compared to black roofs, the report says.
Green roofs provide benefits that white roofs do not offer, however, such as controlling runoff and curbing air pollution.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 8, 2021
New York City shuts down 322 construction sites for unsafe conditions
Action comes as inspectors visit more than 2,100 sites.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Bechtel, Nautilus partner on sustainable, high-performance data centers
Facilities would use 70% less power for cooling, eliminate consumption of drinking water.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Surfside condo collapse could spur new legislation
Natl. Institute of Standards and Technology is investigating.
Codes and Standards | Jul 7, 2021
Intl. Code Council appoints committees to lead energy code development
One-third of appointees are government regulators.
Codes and Standards | Jul 1, 2021
COVID-19 made payment delays to contractors much worse
Only one in ten companies is always getting paid in full.
Codes and Standards | Jun 30, 2021
New resource for public sector organizations to develop energy data management program
Dept. of Energy document contains more than 30 examples of successful implementations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 29, 2021
Biden China policy may spur more increased U.S. PV manufacturing capacity
Senate bill proposes advanced solar manufacturing production credit.
Codes and Standards | Jun 28, 2021
Local and state building energy performance standards aim to curb climate change
Owners must up the ante on operations and retrofits.
Codes and Standards | Jun 24, 2021
Biden Administration will restore ‘Waters of the U.S.’ protections ended by Trump
Early revision more likely to hold up in court, says legal expert.
Codes and Standards | Jun 23, 2021
Denver unveils renewable heating and cooling plan
City releases roadmap to decarbonizing existing homes and buildings.
