Energy Benefits
Reduce Energy Use
A cool roof transfers less heat to your living space below, so your house stays cooler and more comfortable, requiring less energy for cooling. The energy savings of a cool roof may vary depending on the local climate and the design of the building. The table here shows examples of cooling energy savings from different buildings with cool roofs.
| Location | Size (ft2) | Roof Insulation* | Roof Space | Annual Cooling Savings | Peak Demand Savings |
|
Sacramento, CA |
1,825 | R-11 | None | 69% | 32% |
|
Merritt Island, FL |
1,800 | R-25 | Attic | 10% | 23% |
|
Cocoa Beach, FL |
1,795 | R-11 | Attic | 25% | 28% |
|
Nobleton, FL |
900 | R-3 | Attic | 25% | 30% |
|
Cocoa Beach, FL |
1,809 | None | Attic | 43% | 38% |
*Note: These insulation levels are lower than the energy efficiency levels recommended by ENERGY STAR. If insulation levels were higher, the cooling savings likely would be less. Citation: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency- Reducing Urban Heat Islands: Compendium of Strategies — Cool Roofs
Reduce Peak Electrical Demands
Another benefit of cool roofing is that it saves energy during peak electrical demand periods, which generally occur on hot summer afternoons. Reducing peak electrical demand during summer time can reduce the strain on the electrical grid and therefore lessens the likelihood of brownouts and blackouts. The more buildings have cool roofs, the more our entire community benefits.
 Power demand increases as afternoon temperatures rise in Los Angeles, CA |