Do your part to cool the Urban Environment - and save money too!

Did you know that...

• Studies have shown that applying a cool roof coating can save an estimated 20% to 70% of your building's summer cooling bill?
• In addition to energy savings, the longevity of your roof will be extended - saving you money over the long-term?
• If everyone in the city had a cool roof and planted shade trees next to buildings, the urban heat island effect could be reduced and extreme summer heat waves could be less severe?
• Planting shade trees next to buildings not only reduces summer air conditioning requirements, but also reduces winter heating requirements since large trees act as a windbreak shielding buildings from the harsh winter climate?

Are you looking for information on how to reduce energy costs and do your part to cool the Urban Environment?

• The Cool Communities Website which provides information on cool roofs, pavement and urban shade trees that include a wide range of examples and benefits. Website: http://www.coolcommunities.org/

• Cool Toronto Website: http://www.toronto.ca/taf/cool_toronto.htm

Where do I find information specifically on Cool Roofs?

• Stevens Roofing Systems Website has plenty of information on the benefits of cool roofing systems, including energy savings estimates, costing values, general heat island information and countless clickable links to other related sites. Website: http://www.jpselastomerics.com/roofing/urbanheat.html

• Reflective Roof Coatings Technology Profiles Website provides detailed information on cool roof coatings, product information, application, cost and useful links such as: How to Buy Cool Roof Products, Where to Find Cool Roof Products, How Cool is Your Roof and research on the benefits of roof cool roofs. Website: http://www.pnl.gov/techguide/32.htm

• Check out the Energy Star Website for information on EnergyStar Labelled products. Website: http://www.energystar.gov/products/

• Cool Roofs Website for Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratories has information on common methods of cooling your roof, plus links to a cool roofing database and the latest research on cool roofing materials. Website: http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland/CoolRoofs/

For the more scientifically, engineering and/or technically inclines...

• "Cool Systems for Hot Cities" is a publication of the National Roofers Contracting Association that documents advantages of installing light coloured roof systems and identifies related programs in the U.S. Website: http://www.professionalroofing.net/past/oct98/feature.asp

• "Cool Coatings Heat Up Savings" compares cool roof coatings to conventional roof systems using case studies in California. Website: http://www.facilitiesnet.com/NS/NS3m9ai.html