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 | Jun 17, 2020
Santa Fe is second city in the world to achieve LEED v4.1 Gold
New Mexico community gained credits for resilience planning, including public health crises.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
NSF International’s Checked by NSF program helps businesses reopen safely
Includes third-party validation of COVID-19 preventive measures.
Codes and Standards | Jun 15, 2020
Workers want policy changes before they return to offices
More office cleaning, work from home opportunities, and staying home when sick among the desired adjustments.
Codes and Standards | Jun 12, 2020
Carbon emission legislation prompts commercial real estate to innovate
Mass timber, augmented reality, and modular construction among the trends.
Codes and Standards | Jun 11, 2020
USGBC offers new pilot credit to address green cleaning and COVID-19
Provides guidance on cleaning and disinfecting buildings using green cleaning best practices.
Codes and Standards | Jun 10, 2020
AIA issues tools for reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission in buildings
Tailored strategies offered for offices, retailers, schools, and senior living facilities.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
OSHA construction safety inspections fall 84% during COVID-19 pandemic
Agency focuses on preventing disease transmission in healthcare industry.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: June 8, 2020
Frank Lloyd Wright sites set to reopen and construction jobs rise by 464,000.
Codes and Standards | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.