To Beat the Heat, L.A. Mandates Cool Roofs

"On Tuesday the Los Angeles City Council unanimously passed a building code update that will require all new and refurbished homes to have cool roofs, which use sunlight-reflecting materials," reports Ari Phillips. "Los Angeles is the first major city to require such a measure, which was pushed for by the local organization Climate Resolve."

According to Climate Resolve, the landmark ordinance will help the city:

1. become more resilient and healthier on hot days
2. reduce heat related hospitalizations
3. improve air quality by reducing the formation of ozone
4. inoculate against power outages
5. reduce homeowners electricity bills
6. reduce greenhouse gas emissions
7. provide a more pleasant home environment