Travel and Work
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
Humans have been dealing with the weather for millennia. Early on vegetation was adapted in structures to provide protection: good insulation during the winter, and heat management in the summer. Modern green roofs are deliberately planted and maintained for the same purpose. In addition to reducing the heating and cooling loads (and lower greenhouse gas emissions), green roofs help abate storm run-off, provide habitat and clean the air.
Cool roofs, in comparison, use modern technology to manage the heat from the sun to minimize the amount that enters the building through the roof. There are two effects: reflecting the solar radiation (reflectivity) and allowing the roof to emit the stored heat rapidly and efficiently (emissivity). You can find more at the US Department of Energy Cool Roof site, including good advice on how to consider a retrofit for your house.
https://coolroofs.org/resources/what-is-a-cool-roof
We will discuss the urban heat island effect later, but cities are particularly concerned about solar loading in buildings and the potential for disastrous health effects of excessive heat. New York City is taking on the issue with their NYC °CoolRoofs Program, which encourages and helps offset the costs of applying reflective coatings to building rooftops. The program is focused on addressing energy inequity by giving non-profits, community centers, and low-income housing the service free of charge. It also serves as a jobs and training program for disadvantaged workers. Read more about it, including the advantages.
The results are impressive for a passive approach: Cool roofs reduce carbon emissions in New York City at a rate of 0.5 lbs. per square foot of rooftop coated. In its first full year, NYC °CoolRoofs coated 1 million square feet rooftop, a reduction of 227 metric tons of carbon.
“Cool roofs can reduce the internal temperature of a building by up to 30%”
Heid Roop
The time to take action on your house is when your roof needs replacing, and you should consider the benefits of cool roof technology. [Lest you thing you think you will need a white roof, you can choose shingles with 3M™ Cool Roofing Granules in a variety of colors]. Cool roof coatings are an option for your workplace, if you work in a typical commercial building, and can be applied to the existing roof at anytime.
While a cool roof is a great idea to help manage the heat load of any building, explore the possibility of a green roof – imagine having a cool garden on the roof of your building where you can escape the busy city heat island!
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 26: Consider Climate as Part of Your Career
Back to 100 Climate Solutions
Howard Creel
#rescuethatfrog
Email: rescuethatfrog@gmail.com