Monday, March 08, 2010

White Roofs May Successfully Cool Cities, Computer Model Demonstrates

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100201145445.htm

ScienceDaily (Feb. 2, 2010) — Painting the roofs of buildings white has the potential to significantly cool cities and mitigate some impacts of global warming, a new study indicates. The new NCAR-led research suggests there may be merit to an idea advanced by U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu that white roofs can be an important tool to help society adjust to climate change.

But the study team, led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), cautions that there are still many hurdles between the concept and actual use of white roofs to counteract rising temperatures.

"Our research demonstrates that white roofs, at least in theory, can be an effective method for reducing urban heat," says NCAR scientist Keith Oleson, the lead author of the study. "It remains to be seen if it's actually feasible for cities to paint their roofs white, but the idea certainly warrants further investigation."

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After I had my white coating applied to my roof, it kept it notably cooler in the summer. Since I don't have air conditioning, I noticed it.


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