CEE is continuing to gather and disseminate information about the energy- and peak demand-saving opportunities associated with “Cool Roofs.”

Cool roofs save on air conditioning load because the roof surface reduces the amount of solar heat passed into the building.

This is accomplished by using materials that reflect the heat and are able to release absorbed heat more readily than standard roofing materials.

Cool roof products are available for residential (normally steep-slope) and commercial buildings (usually low-slope or flat).

CEE’s residential and commercial HVAC committees are collecting information about cool roof products and research. Andre Desjarlais of Oak Ridge National Laboratory made a detailed presentation about this technology at CEE’s June Program Meeting (click here for the presentation).

In addition to informing the audience about cool roof technologies, incremental costs and savings potential, Desjarlais also addressed the misperception that cool roofs are only appropriate for hot climates.

“Even in the Northeast, cool roofs can have a significant impact on peak demand,” he said. “In some cases you could eliminate the need for air conditioning.”

ENERGY STAR^® is currently revising its specification for roof products. As part of its work with this project, CEE’s HVAC committees have provided two sets of comments about the specification. CEE is also gathering information from members about existing Cool Roof programs.

“We’re trying to learn as much as we can about this technology and pass it along to our members,” said CEE Residential Program Manager John Taylor. “We will gauge our efforts based on member interest and the appropriateness of a coordinated national effort.”

[ back to top ]