Cool roofs are required on most new non-residential buildings in California, but the regulation may be worsening smog.
Cool roofs combat the urban heat island effect by reflecting heat back into the atmosphere. But they also reflect more ultra-violet (UV) light back into the atmosphere, creating more favorable conditions for the chemical reaction that forms ozone or smog.
Southern California would violate federal particulate matter standards for an additional two days a year if cool roofs are widely adopted throughout the region, according to a study by the state’s South Coast Air Quality Management District. Smog would also worsen, especially in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Nevertheless, a researcher for the air quality district said the benefits of cool roofs including lower energy bills, reduced energy consumption, and fewer people suffering from heat-related illnesses would likely outweigh the drawbacks.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2021
New York City cracks down on construction site safety
Buildings Dept. issues new safety legislation for City Council consideration.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2021
ASHRAE updates health care facility ventilation standard
Includes improved guidance on thermal comfort, revisions to air filtration requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2021
American Wood Council releases new fire design specification
For design of wood members, assemblies, and connections to meet code requirements.
Codes and Standards | Jun 7, 2021
Guide provides strategies to overcome barriers to sustainable affordable housing
International Living Future Institute document helps with social, regulatory, and financial hurdles.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2021
Conversion of large office buildings to residential will require revamped regulations
Post-1960 offices present ventilation, daylighting, and other challenges.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2021
Dept. of Energy releases EnergyPlus and OpenStudio updates
New features include Python Plugin features and additional tabular reporting options.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Federal plan to double Canadian lumber tariffs draws intense criticism
Builders advised to stock up to deal with shortages.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2021
Passive House standards proving their worth in multifamily sector
Energy performance beats conventionally built by 32% to 58%.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2021
Pittsburgh combats construction fraud
Crackdown on tax, insurance, and workers’ comp malfeasance.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2021
Proposal to add photovoltaic panels to the R2 Standard for electronics recycling
Hundreds of facilities in 33 countries could begin recycling PVs.
