A cool roof reflects and emits the sun’s heat back to the sky instead of transferring it to the building below. “Coolness” is measured by two properties, solar reflectance and thermal emittance. Both properties are measured from 0 to 1 and the higher the value, the “cooler” the roof.

Benefits of a Cool Roof?

Increase occupant comfort by keeping the building cooler during hot summer months. Cut costs by:

• reducing the need for air-conditioning, and extending the life of cooling equipment. Studies have shown typical cooling energy savings of 10-30% in cooling energy and an extension in the life of cooling equipment.
• decreasing roof maintenance costs (cool roofs are expected to last longer than the average roof). Address air pollution and Global Warming concerns by lowering CO2 and other emissions associated with fossil fuel-generated electricity used for air-conditioning.

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Roof surface solar systems make the best use of available space, turning unused space into an energy-producing asset.

Benefits of a Roof-Mounted PV System?

• Annual energy costs are reduced.
• Improvements to utility grids generally are not necessary.
• Net metering policies allow an owner to be credited for surplus electricity generation.
• A federal tax incentive exists and accelerated depreciation of PV systems is allowed.
• State and local incentives and rebates may apply.
• Roof-mounted PV systems help create green jobs.

Also known as “living roofs”, green roofs serve several purposes for a building, such as absorbing rainwater, providing insulation, creating a habitat for wildlife, and helping to lower urban air temperatures and combat the heat island effect.

Benefits of a Green Roof System?

• Reduce storm water run-off which, in turn, reduces the stress on urban sewer systems and decreases run-off related pollution of natural waterways
• Insulating qualities mean reduced energy costs for building owners
• Air quality improvement – lower rooftop temperatures mean less smog from the “urban heat island effect”
• Noise pollution reduction – studies show noise levels in a building can be reduced by as much as 40 decibels
• Extended life of the roof system due to moderated temperature swings that cause a roof system to expand and contract as well as protection from everyday wear and tear.