Reflective and green roofs

The roofs of most buildings are black and absorb sunlight, warming the building and increasing the need for cooling during the summer. By coating your building’s roof with a light-reflective surface, your company can reduce its energy use, saving money and natural resources. Green roofs with planted vegetation go a step further by reducing summer cooling loads, absorbing greenhouse gases, and reducing water runoff. Green and reflective roofs reduce energy consumption, mitigate air pollution, and help reduce urban heat island effects. Less energy consumption means less global warming pollution, less acid rain, and fewer negative health and ecological effects associated with air pollution. Reducing stormwater runoff helps preserve stream habitats and prevent sewage overflows.

When considering new construction or renovation, ask your architects, suppliers, and contractors about green and reflective roof options.

Reflective and Green Roof Examples

• NRDC’s Santa Monica office
• Jefferson-Houston Elementary School, Alexandria, Virginia
• Ford’s River Rouge Factory

Additional Resources

• Energy Star Reflective Roof Products website
• Energy Star Green Roofs Cost Calculator
• Center for Green Roof Research at Penn State University
• Green Roofs for Healthy Cities