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As someone who lives in the urban jungle and enjoys the occasional rooftop hang out every now and again—I’ve always questioned Brooklyn's black top roofs. In the dead heat of summer, it’s dreadfully hot and makes what’s supposed to be a refreshing cocktail hour or outdoor get-together almost unbearable. After all, black attracts the sun.
I’ve always pined for the cool, energy-reflecting white-washed roofs and buildings infamous on the Greek isles like Santorini and Mykonos.
So when news broke yesterday that the Obama administration wants to paint U.S. roofs all white, I was all ears.
According to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu,
| Making roads and roofs a paler color could have the equivalent effect of taking every car in the world off the road for 11 years. |
It would also help in reducing cooling costs in air condition-sucking buildings. (Not to mention make rooftop soirees way more luxurious--thank you very much!)
Though just a small piece in the climate change-fighting puzzle, it’s evident that Chu is thinking along the lines of practicality to create a clean energy future.
Brian notes that some states, like California, have already even mandated white-roofed commercial buildings. Luckily for us green do-gooders, we don’t need government mandates to get started ourselves.
More on White Roofs:
Raise the White (Light Reflecting) Roof--Fight Global Warming
4 Ways to Green Your Roof
Lower Cooling Bills with a Reflective Roof
How to Go Green: Home Renovation
