White Roofs

The Solution to the White Roof Weakness

The problem with white roofs is that while they keep apartments and the atmosphere cool, come winter people want that heat to absorb. A new high-tech roofing material switches from white to black when needed.

12 October 2009 - 5:00am

Fast Company

Making Roofs Cooler in New York City

Under a new service program called NYC Cool Roofs, volunteers are painting New York's rooftops white to try to lower urban temperatures and save energy.

26 September 2009 - 7:00am

The Architect's Newspaper

The Planetizen News Brief - 6/4/09

4:40 minutes (4.28 MB)

Unexpected cities for jobs, parks facing funding trouble in California, and the new U.S. Energy Secretary says to paint the world white, all on this week's Planetizen News Brief, airing weekly on the nationally-syndicated radio show "Smart City". Read, listen or download.

4 June 2009 - 5:00am

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Chu Says: Paint the World White

Energy Secretary Steven Chu is the latest to get behind the idea that painting roofs and buildings white can help counter global warming.

2 June 2009 - 1:00pm

The Times Online

White Roofs Can Be Wrong Roofs

White roofs have gained cachet as a solution to the urban heat island effect. But in places where there are more cold days than hot, a white roof that reflects warming sunlight might not make the best sense, according to this piece.

20 May 2009 - 6:00am

Miller-McCune