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
| Jun 21, 2012
String of shattered glass balcony panels prompts call for code reform in Ontario
Since last summer, glass balconies have shattered at 13 different buildings in Toronto.
| Jun 21, 2012
California adds window film to building code
California is the first state to add window film into its building code. Window film, a polymer material, offers cost-effective energy savings.
| Jun 21, 2012
New ISO standard to improve environmental management of concrete
A new ISO standard will help the construction industry better manage the environmental impacts of concrete.
| Jun 21, 2012
On net-zero projects, Building Teams will be held accountable for energy-efficiency performance
The building team will be held accountable for how net-zero energy buildings perform two, five, and maybe ten years after completion.
| Jun 14, 2012
USGBC co-founder launches rating system for building product manufacturers
U.S. Green Building Council co-founder David Gottfried’s new venture, Regenerative Ventures, has established a rating system for building product manufacturers.
| Jun 14, 2012
Green standard set for single-ply roofing membrane
A sustainability standard has been established for single-ply roofing membranes used on commercial buildings.
| Jun 14, 2012
Minnesota Vikings stadium plan gets legislative go-ahead
Legislation that approved the construction of a new billion dollar stadium for the Minnesota Vikings passed the Minnesota legislature.
| Jun 14, 2012
Report alleges New York’s prevailing construction wages are miscalculated, costing billions
A miscalculation in how prevailing wages are calculated in New York reportedly costs the state $3 billion a year in public-infrastructure projects.
| Jun 14, 2012
AGC, other business groups oppose hiring rules for disabled
Business groups have asked the U.S. Department of Labor to reconsider a proposed hiring quota aimed at federal contractors pertaining to people with disabilities.
