# Green Myth of White Roofs in North

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/white-roofs-heat-losses-over-25-years/
- Published: 2019-07-27T22:40:40-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

There is this green myth about white roofs. Since white roofs reduce cooling costs.
All which have been migrating north for the past 10 years.

There are mandates for their use in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia.

So while white roofs reduce cooling costs, they are beneficial in warmer, southern
climates. However we also know the untold story is that they carry a significant
heating penalty in northern cities.

Those with a vested interest in white roofing have capitalized on perceptions created
by the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR program and incomplete [studies](https://news.stanford.edu/news/2011/october/urban-heat-islands-101911.html)
from sources such as Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and they have been able
to launch a movement that not only is costly but also damaging to our environment.

#### **White Roofs do Have Increased Costs**

#### 󠀁[⌊white roofs reduce cooling costs⌉⌊white roofs reduce cooling costs⌉󠀁[

Using a roof energy savings [calculator](https://web.archive.org/web/20180613214350/https://rsc.ornl.gov/)
developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and approved by Lawrence Berkeley, the
EPA, DOE and California Energy Commission, a manufacturer of white and [green roofs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/09/riverside-medical-center-creates-eco-friendly-green-roof-as-part-of-hospitals-new-expansion-project/)
has found that regardless of heat source, square footage or insulation level, reflective
white residential roofs in northern cities waste natural resources and cost homeowners
more money. The same is true with commercial buildings.

In conclusion, proponents also claim that white roofs reduce global warming. But
a study at Stanford University shows that white roofs may actually INCREASE, not
decrease, the earth’s temperature. The study suggests that white roofs reflect heat
upward into the atmosphere where it mixes with black and brown soot particles. Thereby
retaining heat and contribute to global warming.

So another [study](https://web.archive.org/web/20160305214135/https://ncesmart.asu.edu/docs/smart/unintended-consequences-1013.pdf)
from Arizona State University indicates widespread adoption of highly reflective
cool roofs could negatively impact rainfall patterns across the United States.

[Madison roofers](https://www.bestrooferwi.com/madison-roofing/) informs us that
white roofs reduce cooling costs. Finally, so they are beneficial in warmer, southern
climates. However we also know the untold story is that they carry a significant
heating penalty in northern cities.

Source: [Carlisle Syntec](https://www.carlislesyntec.com/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
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Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
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## Comments

### By: Green Girl

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/07/white-roofs-heat-losses-over-25-years/#comment-18031
- Published: 2015-01-24T01:56:24-05:00

This is a perfect example that most ‘green’ initiatives have a ton of tradeoffs.
I also read that installing white roofs can be harmful to the laborers because of
the glare. Also, if we painted everything white, including roads, that could be 
destructive to our vision. Reduce, reduce, reduce is so much more important than
trying to ‘engineer’ our way out of our environmental mess!