4 replies to this topic

[Nvyseal]

Whitening the world's roofs and roads would have the same effect on global warming as removing all the world's cars for 11 years. It sounds kooky, but environmentalists say the idea is legit.

But for new projects and some retrofits, it does make sense.

A white roof has three benefits:

* It keeps buildings cooler, reducing the amount of energy required for air conditioning.
* It reduces the so-call "heat island" effect, the heating up of entire urban areas which then causes other buildings in the vicinity to heat up, whether they are in direct contact with the sun or not.
* A white roof or road will actually reflect the sun's rays back into space, keeping the atmosphere cooler.

The Energy Department said a white roof can knock 10% to 20% off a building's electric bill. To that end, it is encouraging anyone replacing or building a roof to take advantage of $2 billion in tax credits available under the stimulus plan.

A spokesman said the department is looking to use more of its stimulus money to promote "cool roofs," which don't have to be white and could include silver reflective paint or even rooftop gardens.

As for white roads, the spokesman said the department isn't actively promoting them, but said an effort may be made to educate communities on the benefits of using cement-colored asphalt.

The Energy Department's recent push into innovative conservation measures and renewable energy research is largely credited to its current head.

CNN Money

[Sphere]

*Buys some paint*

[m.oreilly]

Sphere, on Jul 14 2009, 09:52 AM, said:

*Buys some paint*

have youe seen dave's awesome roof? it is the stuff

[hog]

The roof! The roof is on fire!

[m.oreilly]

hog, on Jul 15 2009, 08:01 AM, said:

The roof! The roof is on fire!

?
dave, can you post up more pics of your cool white roof?