Defense Logistics Agency

Military Construction Program

Sustainable Design and Development Implementation
Attainment Levels

Type of Project Sustainable Design and Development (SDD)

Attainment Level*

Fuel Infrastructure
Hydrant Fuel Systems Motors and pumps in the top 5% energy efficiency available.
Pumphouses Minimum LEED - NC points of 35 & minimum of 10 energy/
atmosphere & water Points with a minimum of 40% better
Load/Unload Facilities than current version of ASHRAE Std 90.1
Storage Tanks
Motors and pumps in the top 5% energy efficiency available.
Pipelines
Operations Buildings Minimum LEED - NC points of 35 & minimum of 12 energy/
Piers and Waterfront Facilities atmosphere & water Points with a minimum of 40% better
Other Fuel Facilities than current version of ASHRAE Std 90.1

Public Safety Facilities Minimum LEED *Silver/Gold/Platinum – NC Certifiable &

Administrative Buildings minimum of 15 energy/ atmosphere & water Points with a
Physical Fitness Facilities minimum of 40% better than current ASHRAE Std 90.1

General Purpose Warehouses Minimum LEED - NC points of 40 & minimum of 15 energy/

Entry Control Points atmosphere & water Points with a minimum of 40% better
Other Depot Storage/Operations Fac. than current version ASHRAE Std 90.1

*DLA Minimum LEED Attainment Levels

FY 2011 - 2014 LEED Silver
Leed Gold/Platinum Based on
demonstrate of life cycle effectiveness
Requires waiver from OSD AT&L if above
LEED Silver certification level
 Defense Logistics Agency
Military Construction Program
Sustainable Design and Development (SDD) Implementation
Typical Design Authorization Direction

Minimum LEED Points of 35 or 40 points with minimum of 10, 12 or 15 points

combined in the energy/atmosphere & water areas and a minimum of 40% better
than the current ASHRAE STD 90.1:

"Consistent with UFC 4-030-01, Sustainable Development, the construction agent shall
maximize the use of sustainable design concepts in the design and construction of this
facility, particularly regarding sustainable siting, water and energy conservation, air
quality preservation, material recycling/reuse, and construction waste recovery. The
cost of implementing this direction shall be included in requested design and
construction cost estimates."

LEED–NC Certifiable & the “%” required better than the current ASHRAE STD
90.1:

Certification and Registration by U.S. Green Building Council:

"The construction agent shall design this facility to attain a [SILVER, GOLD, or
PLATINUM] level as defined in Version 3.0 of the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design – New Construction (LEED – NC) rating system. This rating level
shall be certified and registered by the U.S. Green Building Council. The facility will be
designed to meet “X%” better than the current ASHRAE STD 90.1. The cost of
implementing this direction shall be included in requested design and construction cost
estimates."

Non Facility Fuel Support Systems: – Motors and pumps will be rated in the top 5%
of energy efficiency available or have Energy Star ® rating.

Date: 04/25/2011

ATTACHMENT 2
 Defense Logistics Agency
Specific Energy Savings Design Standards

Outdoor Lighting:
All outdoor lighting (Security and Safety) will consider the use of motion sensors.
Project engineers will consult with physical security specialists and safety on all security
lighting projects to ensure that the proposed projects do not create vulnerabilities or
hazards and meet UFC/DoD security standards. Outdoor lighting projects with payback
thresholds of 10-years or less require implementation. When considering the use of
motions sensors, consideration/analysis will include the need to upgrade camera
systems compatibility, cost limitations, mission and regulatory requirements. Solar
powered lighting with a 25-years or less payback will be considered in outdoor lighting
projects with the appropriate application of these fixtures is at the discretion of the DLA
Installation Support Site Director.

DLA Exit Sign Policy, August 5, 2010:

The referenced DLA Exit Sign Policy applies to all DLA facilities. The DLA photo
luminescent exit sign design policy shall be fully incorporated in all DLA new build or
retrofit/remodel designs effective immediately. Specific design guidelines are listed in
the August 5, 2010 policy letter, “DLA Installation Support Energy Policy for Fire Exits.”
A copy is provided with this attachment.

DLA Vending Machine Policy, July 13, 2010:

The referenced DLA Vending Machine Policy applies to all DLA funded facilities
and sites where any vender uses utilities from a DLA facility or site. This referenced
policy is to be provided to all venders that use utilities from a DLA facility or site. All
vending machines are required to be Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
designated or ENERGY STAR®-qualified products. The vending machines are to be in
the upper 25% of their class in energy efficiency for their class of vending machines that
are currently available on the market. Additional policy guidance and requirements are
detailed in the July 13, 2010 policy letter, “DLA Installation Support Energy Policy for all
Vending Machines.” A copy is provided with this attachment.

Use Of Waterless Urinals:

Executive Order 13514 requires a reduction of water consumption intensity by 2%
annually thru FY2020 or 26% by the end of FY2020. Regardless of the USACE
rescinding the requirement via a memo from the ACSIM dated March 28, 2011, DLA’s
current Sustainable Design Standards for water reduction/efficiency minimum standards
will continue with the requirement for waterless urinals in all new construction and major
renovations projects as one of many water reduction/efficiency opportunities.

ATTACHMENT 3
 DLA SCOPE OF WORK ENERGY DESIGN STANDARDS to meet EPACT 2005 & EISA 2007.
(To meet 2015 goals all NEW & RENOVATION projects must include higher efficiency equipment than existing and overall reduce energy density by a minimum of
40% compared to the current ASHRAE Std 90.1 2010.

CMT REFERENCE DESCRIPTION/COMMENTS

NO.
1 Lighting Indoors Use T-5 high efficiency, T-8 HO or LED lamps (4100K, or higher K, Minimum CRI 70). Design all to IES stds. T-5 or T-8 shall be driven by
instant start electronic ballasts unless approved otherwise by DS-I. U-tubes are fragile, expensive and require an exception to policy from DS-I.
All indoor lighting fixtures are to be controlled by an occupancy sensor or lighting controls. In high bay areas use prismatic daylights unless
demonstrated to not be cost effective. For entrance and perimeter lights, use with photo cell and motion sensors. No 8 ft, U-tube fixtures, or
incandescent bulbs or HID'S. Exception to requirement for motion sensor controlled is granted for one fixture per room in Child Care facilities
that may be hand switch controlled.

2 Light Switching Lighting in large areas (cafeterias, conference areas, maintenance areas) will provide motion sensor switching for partial area lighting for small
use areas, when entire facility is not needed or in use. Occupancy and light level sensor setting time shall be 5-10 minutes. Where day lighting is
available, additional dimming are shut off controls with be installed to turn off or dim ambient lighting when their is adequate (per lighting
standards) natural or day lighting.
3 LED Exit Signs Use Glow in the Dark Florescent non-powered Exit signs. Egress emergency lighting shall be via battery power ballast (florescent fixtures) or
battery backup (non florescent lighting) in one fixture per room and end of each hallway with 20 minute minimum rating.

4 Motors Use energy efficient motors that meet the “NEMA Premium” efficiency standards only; Variable speed motor systems and & BAS controls may
be required for Ground Coupled Heat Pumps (GCHP).

5 Outside lighting After consultation with physical security and safety specialists, install photocells control and motion sensors on all outside of buildings, parking
lots and street lighting. Use of induction or LED lamps shall be used unless demonstrated to not be life cycle cost effective (exceptions to be
approved by DS-I). No external lights on the building except over entrances and walkways.

6 Occupancy Sensors Install occupancy sensors to control all area lighting (break areas, conference rooms, bathrooms, offices, halls & stairwells, and other). Ceiling
Mount sensors are best except for individual offices where switch mounted are applicable. Lights off nights, weekends and when unoccupied is
the requirement. Exception is one fixture per room in Child Care Facilities is to be direct switched. Occupancy sensor setting time shall be 5-10
minutes. here day lighting is available, additional dimming are shut off controls with be installed to turn off or dim ambient lighting when their is
adequate (per lighting standards) natural or day lighting.
7 Water Heaters Water heaters shall be 92 % min. and boilers shall be condensing technology; electronic ign.; exhaust via plastic pipe/ manuf design guide; Water
source heat pump water heating is preferred, where GCHP heat transfer is available as part of the waste heat cycle when cooling a facility. Use
waste heat from boilers or cooling towers to heat domestic hot water when these systems are used. Perform a LCCA for potential solar water
heating.
8 Metering (All Smart Gas, electric and water meters will be installed to Public Service Commission (PSC) stds . All utilities shall be metered and installed to
buildings) All utility company standards. USACE metering specs are required.
Utilities
9 Infrared Heating High bay/K SPAN and maintenance areas will be heated by condensing style or inline gas fired type infrared Heating systems capable of exhaust
and heating via plastic pipe. Exhaust through walls not roofs is desirable. Use of automated set backs for non occupied times are 45 degrees F maximum for
maintenance and warehouses and 55 degrees F maximum for admin areas. All heating equip shall have electronic ignition. Solar walls for make
up air are encouraged to lower cost and neg air pressures.

10 Insulated windows Functional insulated windows with low E technology glass, min 2 layers and inert gas filled, with 20 year replacement if seal breaks, shall be used.
Glass thickness and tempering as applicable to meet design loads. Window performance U 0.36 maximum. Life long coating with no painting
required on site. Composite material frames preferred or means to break thermal bridges from aluminum framed units must be provided and
detailed before use of aluminum frame windows is authorized.

11 Insulation R- Insulation values for roof (R 60) and walls (R 38) shall be used as the starting point for cost effectiveness. Lower roof R values are permitted
Factor down to R38 where Cool roof applications of the minimum allowable design SRI values are applied based on climatic zone or where higher than
R38 is not cost effective. Insulated metal panels, polyiso boards and/or combinations thereof are preferred for roofs and walls. For cavity walls,
polyiso board and polyurethane spray foam are preferred within the cavities with polyurethane spray foam preferred in between metal studs on
the interior face of the sheathing. For all masonry cavity walls polyiso board is preferred within the cavity with either polyiso board or
polyurethane spray foam preferred for the interior masonry wall surface. Min heavy grade commercial wrap coating shall have edges sealed and
fastened on 6 inch centers for total surface. All Building envelopes, must have an air and vapor barrier and shall meet applicable blower door tes
of .025 cfm/psi.

12 General/Design Designs shall consider all energy saving devices and most efficient product in order to conform to the EnergyPolicy Act of 2005, Energy
Review Independence and Security Act of 2007 & latest exe orders on energy, and adhere to LCCA standards.To ensure compliance, all HVAC and
Lighting Design shall be reviewed at 60% design completion with the Site Energy Manager and facility support team members.All new buildings
long wall should face the south direction and have ~ two foot of shading above each window level based on longitude.

13 Shower/kit heat Do not use Drain water heat recovery systems unless demonstrated to be Life cycle cost effective.
recovery
14 Faucet, shower Use .5 gpm aerator faucets, low flow shower heads, .3 or less gpf water closets and waterless urinals. Use preferred non touch sensor detection
heads, Urinal, & faucets.
Water Closets
15 HVAC controls & All building controls shall be compatible, connected and communicate with the existing installation wide wireless, building automation system.
automation

16 HVAC-GCHP’s Gas Fired Heating units shall be 92 % min AFUE. GSHP or hybrid heating/cooling systems shall be considered for all buildings. Radiant heating
and heating of and cooing is the preferred method to heat and cool as compared to forced air systems. EER for air coupled heat pumps minimum shall be 16.
vestibules and fire Chiller systems will be a minimum of 8 COP. Use Melink intelligent exhaust hoods, or functional equal, to reduce HVAC energy loss. Vestibules
safety stairwells will be designed to have no piping and require no heating or cooling. These area conditioning will be maintained by natural infiltration from the
conditioned spaces. Existing vestibules will not be air conditioned and heating setting will not exceed 40F. Stairwells for fire escape will not have
any addition air conditioning and heating should not be supplemented above 40F.

17 Traffic Signals Only LED traffic sign bulbs shall be used.

18 Sky Lighting/ Diffused day lighting skylight solution with a 10 year no leak warranty using lighting sensors to harvest natural light is encouraged to include
skylights with prismatic structures or highly insulating polycarbonate multi wall sheets .

App. By:Don Juhasz, PE, CEM Director Energy Resource Management (August 22, 2012)

ATTACHMENT 4
 ENGINEERING AND
CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN
No. 2010-14 Issuing Office: CECW-CE Issued: 28 June 2010

Subject: Improving building performance through enhanced requirements for energy

performance and select LEED credits

References:
a. Army Memorandum dated 12 May 2010 addressing Constructive Use of FY 2010 and
Future Bid Savings
b. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental
Design (LEED) NC rating tool v2.2 and 2009/v3
c. ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-
Rise Residential Buildings

Applicability: Directive

1. The purpose of this ECB is to establish new requirements for enhanced energy performance
and select LEED credits for all MCA projects, effective as noted below.

2. To enhance the energy performance of buildings, Paragraph 5.9.2 of the design-build (D-B)
RFP Wizard will be modified to increase the energy consumption savings from 30% to 40%
below the consumption of a baseline building compared to ASHRAE Standard 90.1. Also
included in the RFP Wizard will be an option for an additional 10% energy savings for a total of
50% energy consumption savings compared to ASHRAE Standard 90.1.

As a reminder, unless a specific document version or date is indicated in the RFP Wizard, the
2007 version of ASHRAE 90.1 should be used in the energy consumption savings calculations,
which is consistent with the Applicable Criteria in Paragraph 4 of the RFP Wizard.

For design-bid-build (D-B-B) contracts, all buildings are to achieve an energy consumption that
is at least 40% below the consumption of a baseline building meeting the requirements of
ASHRAE 90.1. The designer may design a building to achieve greater than 40% reduction if
this can be accomplished within the authorized program amount.

3. Select LEED credits which must be included in solicitation requirements are:

A. WE 1 Water Efficient Landscaping – No potable water used for irrigation.
Applicable to all projects.
B. WE 3 Water Use Reduction – At least 30% reduction. Applicable to all projects.
C. EA 1 Optimize Energy points that correspond to energy use reduction indicated in
paragraph 2 of this ECB.
D. EA 3 Enhanced Commissioning – Improved O & M (training, manuals and follow-
up). Applicable to all buildings with LEED Silver requirement.
ECB 2010-14
Subject: Improving building performance by adjusting project scope to include enhanced energy
performance and select LEED credits

E. EQ 7.1 Thermal Comfort Design – Improved indoor environment. Applicable to all

buildings with LEED Silver requirement.

4. This directive is effective for D-B projects with release of RFPs in 4th quarter FY 2010 and
beyond and those D-B projects whose RFPs were not yet “locked” in the Wizard as of the date
these changes take effect in the Wizard (June 18, 2010). For D-B-B projects, this directive takes
effect for all projects at 35% design or less as of July 1, 2010. Code T adapt-build projects
which use existing adapt-build models are considered to be beyond the 35% stage of design.
COSs are expected to update their existing adapt-build models with the new requirements and
have these models available for use starting FY11 3rd quarter.

5. These changes have been incorporated into the RFP Wizard as of June 18, 2010.

6. HQUSACE POCs are Daniel Carpio, CECW-CE, 202-761-4227, or Joanne Qualey, CECW-
CE, 202-761-8900. For LEED credits, technical assistance on a reimbursable basis can be
provided by Ms. Judith Milton, Savannah District, 912-652-5441 or Ms. Jeanette Fiess, Seattle
District, 206-764-3655.

2
 ENGINEERING AND
CONSTRUCTION BULLETIN
No. 2011-1 Issuing Office: CECW-CE Issued: 19 Jan 2011 Expires: 19 Jan 2013

Subject: High Performance Energy and Sustainability Policy

Applicability: Directive and Guidance
References:
a. Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) 2010-14, 28 Jun 2010, Subject: Improving
Building Performance through Enhanced Requirements for Energy Performance and
Selected LEED Credits
b. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), 06 Mar 06, Guiding Principles for Federal
Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings
c. Memorandum, DUSD (I&E), 25 Oct 10, subject: Department of Defense Sustainable
Buildings Policy
d. Memorandum, ASA (IE&E), 27 Oct 10, subject: Sustainable Design and Development
Update (Environmental and Energy Performance)
e. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) NC rating tool v2.2 and 2009/v3
1. The purpose of this Engineering and Construction Bulletin (ECB) is to implement new
policies and procedures into the Military Construction, Army (MCA) program. This ECB is
effective when issued and, together with ECB 2010-14 (Reference a), defines the Energy and
Sustainability performance requirements for projects in the various phases of the Planning,
Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process. ECB 2010-14 was intended to start the
process by taking advantage of the good bid environment to fund additional energy
enhancements for projects that were already authorized and appropriated. After the FY13
Program, ECB 2010-14 will no longer be applicable.
2. National energy security and sustainability concerns continue to drive construction programs
to build higher performance buildings than ever before. Building more energy efficient and
sustainable facilities is a mission objective of the US Army. We must continue to implement
improved energy standards and sustainability objectives that are cost effective over the life of our
facilities, installations, and infrastructure to meet energy security and independence goals.
3. Project Delivery Teams (PDT) are authorized and encouraged to aggressively enhance the
energy and sustainability performance of our projects. Project features referenced by
Attachment A that accomplish this objective whether programmed or incorporated by change
during design or construction are to be considered technical requirements and not User
Requested Changes. The PDT should be aware of how these features affect the scope of projects

1
ECB No. 2011-1
Subject: High Performance Building Energy and Sustainability Policy

that have a congressionally approved DD1391, as well as how they affect the PDR/3086 process
for projects under design.
4. PDTs are to perform a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) on energy-related design decisions
of major systems and features that will exceed 1% of the Programmed Amount (PA) in cost.
This Life Cycle Cost Analysis shall be documented as part of design analysis and/or basis of
design files and kept available for review.
5. This ECB is intended to enhance conformance with the Guiding Principles for Federal
Leadership in High Performance and Sustainable Buildings (Reference b) which continues to be
in effect. See also High Performance and Sustainable Buildings Guidance issued by Office of
Management and Budget in December 2008 for further information.
6. All MCA projects will comply with the Department of Defense Sustainable Buildings Policy
(Reference c) and the Department of the Army Sustainable Design and Development Policy
Update (Reference d) pursuant to the following implementation plan by program year:
a. Guidance for All Program Years: Studies by the Department of Energy in conjunction
with our own Construction Engineering Research Laboratory have shown the energy and
sustainability enhancements listed in Attachment A to be consistently cost effective for
multiple facility types and climatic regions. Therefore, project teams are to incorporate as
many of these enhancements as practicable at the discretion of the PDT as a mandatory
change without further approval necessary, provided the following conditions are met. The
PDT is responsible for selecting a comprehensive suite of enhancements that work in concert
to achieve a low energy consumption facility as a whole and with respect to the facility type
and climatic region of the site.
(1) No energy enhancement can result in the project exceeding the total of any unit
attribute (such as Square Feet, Linear Feet, etc,) of any line item within the Primary
Facility portion of an approved DD Form 1391.
(2) For projects in Planning: Energy enhancements that affect the scope of a DD Form
1391 should be addressed in the Project Definition Report (PDR) and coordinated with
HQUSACE and HQDA.
(3) For projects in Design: If the Current Working Estimate (CWE) with energy
enhancements added exceeds the authorized Programmed Amount (PA), per existing
guidance, the PDT must identify bid options. These options shall not include the required
Energy Enhancements listed in Attachment A.
(4) For projects in Construction: Energy and sustainability enhancements referenced in
Attachment A may be incorporated into the project by the PDT using funds available. If
additional funding is required, the PDT shall submit the requested change to
Headquarters with a supporting LCCA. If the change is authorized, update the Design
Analysis to include the Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) to document the change.
(5) Energy and sustainability enhancements not referenced in Attachment A are to be
considered User Requested Changes and follow the approval process already established.

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ECB No. 2011-1
Subject: High Performance Building Energy and Sustainability Policy

If the installed feature exceeds 1% of the Programmed Amount (PA) request should be
supported by a LCCA documented in the design analysis and/or basis of design. The
LCCA shall show the enhancements will either reduce source Green House Gas (GHG)
emissions or pay for themselves within the life cycle of the facility or both.
b. FY11 and Prior Year Programs: ECB 2010-14 (Reference a) continues to apply. For
clarification, note that the use of the Bid Option to achieve 50% better energy savings as
described in ECB 2010-14 is not automatically included by use of the RFP wizard, but needs
to be included manually in the CLIN table added to each new RFP. This option shall be
listed after all base options. If the Current Working Estimate (CWE) exceeds the Program
Amount (PA) the approval must be obtained from HQDA prior to advertising. Likewise,
HQDA approval must still be obtained to Award in excess of PA per existing guidance.
HQDA will continue to have the final decision regarding Below or Above Threshold
Reprogrammings. When performing Site Selection and Master Planning activities, teams are
encouraged to review the requirements of the SDD policy (Reference d) as well as local
Renewable Energy availability data from the Department of Energy’s National Renewable
Energy Laboratory (NREL) at http://www.nrel.gov/. Use this information to generate future
development plans with respect to energy and sustainability.
c. FY12 Program: ECB 2010-14 (Reference a) continues to apply to the FY12 MCA
program; specifically, applicable projects are to be designed to achieve energy performance
40% better than as prescribed in ASHRAE 90.1-2007. Further, an Option to achieve 50%
better shall be included in the CLIN table added to each new RFP. Headquarters has worked
with DA to adjust the allowable square footage shown on the current DD Form 1391s to
accommodate some energy and sustainability strategies such as thicker exterior walls. These
adjustments in allowable square footage will not change current PA or early gross square-
footage based CWE. If the final approved DD Form 1391s reflect this change the PDT is
expected to incorporate these energy enhancements; e.g. include the additional wall thickness
and insulation as a design requirement. The additional square footage authorized shall not be
used for any other purpose than to increase energy and sustainability performance.
d. FY13 Program: Design projects to fully comply with the SDD policy (Reference d) and
include energy enhancements from Attachment A, as appropriate to the project site and
facility type. The PA and square footage will be adjusted by DA after the 3086 review to
incorporate energy enhancements in Attachment A to fully comply with the SDD policy.
Installations have opportunities to gain better financial efficiency and other benefits by
consolidating the renewable energy requirements of multiple buildings into a larger-scale
"central plant" type projects. Therefore, the SDD policy (Reference d) contains language in
Paragraph 5.b that allows an exemption to installing renewable energy systems on each
building per ASHRAE 189.1 in favor of aggregating the requirements installation-wide or
program-wide. Centralized Renewable Energy plants used to meet consolidated renewable
requirements of ASHRAE 189.1 are not required to be built concurrently in FY13, but may
be planned to be executed in FY15 to allow for the additional master planning and design
required. Additional energy enhancements, such as renewable energy systems, that can be
easily separable from the base design may be included as contract options or alternates.

3
ECB No. 2011-1
Subject: High Performance Building Energy and Sustainability Policy

PDTs, the Centers of Standardization, HQUSACE will work together to determine the best
acquisition strategy to maximize energy innovation. The use of Waiver requests to the
Standard Designs is encouraged if necessary to facilitate innovation.
e. FY 14 program: The renewable energy components of the SDD policy (Reference d)
will begin to be addressed by aggregating the requirements of multiple facilities into larger
scale renewable energy projects to the extent practical and that funding allows. Installations
are encouraged to seek partnerships with the private sector, including using power purchase
agreements (PPA), enhanced-use leases (EUL), energy savings performance contracts
(ESPC), and utilities energy service contracts (UESCs) as vehicles to optimize renewable
energy sources and leverage Federal, State, and local utility incentives. USACE will continue
to pursue low energy models and will issue additional guidance.
f. FY 15 Program and beyond: Starting with the FY 15 Program, all projects will be
planned and programmed to achieve the renewable energy component of ASHRAE 189.1
(per Paragraph 5(b) of Reference d) either within each project’s scope or by a consolidated
renewable energy solution for an aggregate of multiple project requirements.
7. Sustainability Certification:
a. All MCA projects meeting the Minimum Program Requirements (MPR) for the
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Reference e) program shall be planned,
designed, and built to be certified at the SILVER level or higher from the Green Building
Certification Institute (GBCI)
(1) Projects previously registered under LEED 2.2 may continue to pursue the version 2.2
points and seek USGBC certification under LEED 2.2 scoring at the discretion of the
PDT, subject to GBCI approval.
(2) Any project not registered under 2.2 shall register and seek certification with GBCI
under LEED NC/MR version 2009/3.0 or later.
(3) At its discretion, the PDT may pursue achieving Gold level certification and is
authorized to seek certification at the highest attainable level of certification within
available funding provided that doing so continues to reduce the total cost of ownership
over the life cycle of the facility.
(4) In accordance with the Department of Defense Sustainable Buildings Policy
(Reference c) at least 40% of the minimum points required for Silver level certification
shall be earned in any combination of these credit categories:
(a) SS 7.1 Heat Island Effect, Non-Roof
(b) SS 7.2 Heat Island Effect, Roof
(c) SS 8 Light Pollution Reduction
(d) WE 1.1 Water Efficient Landscaping - Reduce Potable Water Use by 50%

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ECB No. 2011-1
Subject: High Performance Building Energy and Sustainability Policy

(e) WE 1.2 Water Efficient Landscaping - No Potable Use or No Irrigation

(f) WE 2 Innovative Wastewater Technologies
(g) WE 3 Water Use Reduction
(h) EA 1 Optimize Energy Performance
(i) EA 2 On-Site Renewable Energy
(j) EA 3 Enhanced Commissioning
(k) EA 5 Measurement & Verification
(l) EA 6 Green Power
(m) IEQ 1 Outside Air Delivery Monitoring
(n) IEQ 8.1 Daylight & Views - Daylight 75% of Spaces
(o) ID 1.1-1.5 Innovative Design, if achieved for energy and/or water savings
(p) RP 1.1-1.4 Regional Priorities, if achieved for energy and/or water savings
(5) In addition to the prerequisites, the following LEED-NC/NR credits shall be included
in all MCA projects where applicable:
(a) SS 6.1 Stormwater Design, Quantity Control
(b) SS 6.2 Stormwater Design, Quality Control
(c) WE 1 Water Efficient Landscaping: No potable water used for irrigation.
(d) WE 3 Water Use Reduction: earn at least two points under this credit
(e) EA 1 Optimize Energy: earn at least 15 points under this credit
(f) EA 3 Enhanced Commissioning
(g) EA 5 Measurement and Verification
(h) MR 2 Construction Waste Management
(i) MR 4 Recycled Content
(j) IEQ 3.1 Construction IAQ Management Plans
(k) IEQ 3.2 Construction IAQ Management Plans
(l) IEQ 7.1 Thermal Comfort Design
b. Army Family Housing projects may be certified at the LEED for Homes SILVER level or
higher from the GBCI or Energy Star Qualified New Homes, or will be designed to achieve
energy consumption levels 45% below the baseline set by International Energy Conservation
Code (IECC) 2009.

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ECB No. 2011-1
Subject: High Performance Building Energy and Sustainability Policy

c. The definitions and guidance on the LEED minimum program requirements are provided
in a document, titled Supplemental Guidance, available on the USGBC website
(http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=2102)
d. Projects not falling within the scope of the LEED program will be designed and built to
incorporate the maximum LEED components or equivalent sustainable design features
available as allowed by project scope. If such a project is of a significant size, has high
visibility or public interest, the use of alternative standards and certification systems
available to the project is encouraged, such as Green Globes or Host Nation programs.
8. A request for an exemption through HQ USACE may be made for any specific requirement
included herein or by reference that the PDT determines would adversely affect mission
performance, security requirements, health, safety, or welfare. The exemption shall only apply
to the specific requirements in conflict. Any approved exemptions to this policy shall be
documented with reference to the specific requirement in conflict and included in the project
documentation.
9. Reporting and documentation of Energy and SDD performance: New energy enhancements
above our current standard design or criteria included in a solicitation, or incorporated through
the modification process, must be reported to HQUSACE. A list of these enhancements, and any
associated costs and Life Cycle Cost Analyses available will be kept to further our knowledge
about the costs associated with these enhancements, and to answer inquiries about the Army’s
progress towards the Energy mandates and requirements that will come from HQDA, OSD, and
Congress. The District (through the MSC) will submit to their Regional Integration Team (RIT)
a list of new energy enhancements with the estimated costs shown on a new tab of an updated
Current Working Estimate (CWE) worksheet and include a brief descriptive justification with
pertinent design details. All projects shall report the following information, at a minimum:
a. LEED credits earned, with percentage in Water and Energy
b. Gross percentage of anticipated energy savings versus baseline
c. Gross percentage of anticipated water savings versus baseline
10. The Headquarters USACE point of contact is Eric Mucklow, at 202-761-0522 or
[email protected]. The Army Program Manager is Gary Skusek, 202-761-5749.

ENCL JAMES C. DALTON, P.E., SES LLOYD C. CALDWELL, P.E., SES

Chief, Engineering and Construction Division Chief, Programs Management Division
Directorate of Civil Works Directorate of Military Programs

6
ATTACHMENT A
VIABLE ENERGY AND SUSTAINABILITY ENHANCEMENTS
The following enhancements may be considered viable for a wide range of building types and
climactic regions. From these, a comprehensive suite of enhancements may be selected that
work in concert to achieve a low energy consumption facility as a whole and with respect to the
facility type and climatic region of the site. These enhancements are to be implemented by the
PDT as practicable with respect to the project’s scope, schedule, and existing conditions.
The list below contains only brief descriptions representing strategies and design criteria that
enhance the energy performance or sustainability of facilities. It is assumed members of the
design team will be familiar with these concepts. More in-depth guidance regarding specific
criteria and implementation information can be found by consulting the Energy and Water
Conservation Design Guide (for Sustainment, Restoration and Modernization (SRM) and
MILCON Projects) on the Whole Building Design Guide site at
http://www.wbdg.org/references/pa_dod_energy.php
1. Optimize building orientation (East-West Axis with Passive Solar shading geometry)
2. Tight construction with Infiltration less than .15 cfm per square foot of exterior envelope
area at 75 PA
3. Added insulation to high performance ‘Passivhaus’ levels (See the Building Envelope
section of the Energy and Water Conservation Design Guide referred to above for minimum
R/U values per climatic zone)
4. Design detailing to avoid thermal bridges that allow heat to bypass insulation
5. Windows: Triple-pane, Energy Star, with low-E coatings appropriate to climatic zone.
6. Lighting: lower lighting consumption to average 0.75W/ft2 or less. To achieve this
performance, consider the following:
a. Low maintenance, low wattage-per-lumen technologies, e.g. SSL/LED fixtures
b. Occupancy, Vacancy, and Daylighting sensors for active ambient light control
c. Increase vertical glazing by 50% over standard designs
d. Increase Skylight to Floor Area (SFA) fraction to 3% over corridors, admin areas
and office areas
e. Use digital multi-zone lighting controls with individually addressable fixtures
7. ‘Cool Roof’ finishes where cooling load exceeds heating (e.g. Climate Zones 1-5)
8. Top Tier Energy Star or FEMP rated appliances and equipment
9. Demand/user controlled High Efficiency HVAC equipment per ASHRAE 189.1
10. Optimize HVAC zones with respect to user schedules and occupancy
11. Include Energy Recovery Ventilation (ERV) systems with >75% efficiency

A-1
12. Dedicated Outside Air System (DOAS) for ventilation with heat recovery for assembly
and heat/fume generating activities
13. Indirect Evaporative Pre-Cooling (IEPC or IDEC) for Dry Climates (Climate Zones xB)
14. HVAC equipment efficiency ratings (e.g. COP) that exceed ASHRAE 189.1 (C)
requirements
15. High Efficiency condensing boilers with >90% efficiency and/or incorporate Ground-
Source Heat Pump technology
16. NEMA MG1 Premium Efficiency/ Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM) motors
17. Variable Air Volume (VAV) or hydronic distribution; consider:
a. radiant heating systems, especially in maintenance bays, and
b. “Radiant” cooling systems in ceilings
18. Measurement and Verification (M&V) systems
19. On-site Renewable Energy elements:
a. Transpired Solar Collectors in Climate Zones 2A to 8.
b. SSL/LED parking and street lighting; site-specific light distribution patterns
c. Prepackaged pole-mounted solar site lighting solutions
d. Include 30% demand solar water heating in areas where the average sun exposure
is equal or greater than 4.0 kWh/m2 per day according to the National Renewable
Energy Lab (http://www.nrel.gov/gis/solar.html) in accordance with the SDD
policy (Reference d.)
20. Maximum flow rates for plumbing fixtures per ASHRAE 189.1
a. Dual-flush toilets
b. Waterless Urinals: urinals that use either no water or no potable water (e.g. may
use harvested rainwater or reclaimed greywater)
21. Stormwater management: Meet local codes and Low Impact Development (LID) best
practices (e.g. pervious pavement, rainwater harvesting, swales, bioretention ponds)
See the Whole Building Design Guide (http://www.wbdg.org/) and the USACE Centers of
Standardization website at https://eportal.usace.army.mil/sites/COS/Pages/Default.aspx for
more information about these technologies. As projects progress, PDT members may find
peers who have shared their success stories and share your own on the Energy Hall of Fame
website at https://www.us.army.mil/suite/page/639754 (AKO login required.)

A-2
BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES PROGRAM

Guidelines for
Selecting
Cool Roofs

July 2010

Prepared by the Fraunhofer Center for Sustainable Energy Systems

for the U.S. Department of Energy Building Technologies Program and
Oak Ridge National Laboratory under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725.
Additional technical support provided by Lawrence Berkeley National
Laboratory and the Federal Energy Management Program.
Authors: Bryan Urban and Kurt Roth, Ph.D.
Table of Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Why Use Cool Roofs .............................................................................................................. 1
What Is a Cool Roof ....................................................................................................................... 1
How Cool Roofs Work ........................................................................................................... 2
What Qualifies as a Cool Roof ............................................................................................... 3
Reading Cool Roof Product Labels ........................................................................................ 4
Not All Cool Roofs Are White ............................................................................................... 4
Heat Gains, Heat Losses, and Thermal Insulation .................................................................. 5
Types of Cool Roofs ....................................................................................................................... 5
Low Sloped Roofs................................................................................................................... 5
Steep Sloped Roofs ................................................................................................................. 6
Low and Steep Sloped Roofs .................................................................................................. 7
Should You Use a Cool Roof.......................................................................................................... 7
Project Requirements .............................................................................................................. 7
Is Cool Roof Required or Encouraged .................................................................................... 8
Cool Roof Economics ............................................................................................................. 8
Online Tools to Predict Energy Savings ............................................................................... 12
Cool Roof Selection and Applications .......................................................................................... 15
Precautions & Considerations ....................................................................................................... 18
Condensation, Moisture, and Ice .......................................................................................... 18
Mind Your Surroundings ...................................................................................................... 19
Zero Net Energy Buildings ................................................................................................... 19
Resources ...................................................................................................................................... 20
Energy & Cost Savings Calculator ....................................................................................... 20
Industry Associations ............................................................................................................ 20
Material & Product Ratings .................................................................................................. 21
Cool Roof Research Groups ................................................................................................. 21
Other Resources .................................................................................................................... 21
End Notes ...................................................................................................................................... 21
Introduction
Cool roofs can help many building owners save money while protecting the environment. This
guidebook has been created to help you understand how cool roofs work, what kinds of cool roof
options are available, and how to determine if cool roofing is appropriate for your building. If
you are planning a new building or replacing or restoring an existing roof, cool roofs should be
considered as an energy efficiency
option. Cool roof products exist for Figure 1: Dark vs. Cool Roof Surface Temperatures
virtually every kind of roof.

Just as wearing light-colored clothing

can help keep a person cool on a sunny
day, cool roofs use solar-reflective
surfaces to maintain lower roof
temperatures. Traditional dark roofs can
reach temperatures of 150ºF (66ºC) or
more in the summer sun. A cool roof
under the same conditions could stay A dark roof (left) becomes much hotter than a cool white roof
more than 50°F (28ºC) cooler, Figure 1. (right) on a sunny afternoon.

Why Use Cool Roofs

A cool roof can be desirable to a building owner for several reasons. Cool roofs can
reduce energy bills by decreasing air conditioning needs,
improve indoor thermal comfort for spaces that are not air conditioned, and
decrease roof operating temperature, which may extend roof service life.

In many cases, cool roofs cost about the same as non-cool alternatives. The energy cost savings
you can realize from a cool roof depends on many factors, including local climate; the amount of
insulation in your roof; how your building is used; energy prices; and the type and efficiency of
your heating and cooling systems.

Cool roofs can also provide benefits to the environment. Cool roofs can
reduce local air temperatures, which improves air quality and slows smog formation;
reduce global warming by reflecting more sunlight back into space;
reduce peak electric power demand, which can help prevent power outages; and
reduce power plant emissions, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrous oxides,
and mercury, by reducing cooling energy use in buildings.

Policymakers may issue regulations requiring cool roofs to provide these benefits to society.

What Is a Cool Roof

Cool roofs are roofs that are designed to maintain a lower roof temperature than traditional roofs
while the sun is shining. Sunlight is the primary factor that causes roofs to become very hot.

1
How Cool Roofs Work
Cool roofs have surfaces that reflect sunlight Figure 2: Roof Surface Properties
and emit heat more efficiently than hot or dark
roofs, keeping them cooler in the sun. In
contrast, hot roofs absorb much more solar
energy than cool roofs, making them hotter.
Solar reflectance and thermal emittance are the
two key material surface properties that
determine a roof’s temperature, and they each
range on a scale from 0 to 1. The larger these
two values are, the cooler the roof will remain
in the sun.

Since most dark roofs absorb 90% or more of

Typical dark roofs can absorb 90% or more of
the incoming solar energy, the roof can reach incoming solar energy, while cool roofs may absorb
temperatures higher than 150°F (66ºC) when less than 50%. Image Source: CRRC
it’s warm and sunny. Higher roof temperatures
increase the heat flow into the building, causing the air conditioning system to work harder and
use more energy in summertime. In contrast, light-colored roofs absorb less than 50% of the
solar energy, reducing the roof temperature and decreasing air conditioning energy use.

Reducing the roof’s temperature with a cool roof can also increase the need for heating during
heating seasons. Later sections of this report show you how to evaluate the resulting cost savings
for your building.

Solar Reflectance is the fraction of sunlight that a surface reflects. Sunlight that is not reflected is
absorbed as heat. Solar reflectance is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. For example, a surface that
reflects 55% of sunlight has a solar reflectance of 0.55. Most dark roof materials reflect 5 to 20%
of incoming sunlight, while light-colored roof materials typically reflect 55 to 90%. Solar
reflectance has the biggest effect on keeping your roof cool in the sun.

Thermal Emittance describes how Figure 3: Understanding Thermal Emittance

efficiently a surface cools itself by
emitting thermal radiation. Thermal
emittance is measured on a scale of 0 to 1,
where a value of 1 indicates a perfectly
efficient emitter. Nearly all nonmetallic
surfaces, like the unwrapped potato in
Figure 3, have high thermal emittance, Potato skins (left), like most roofing materials, have high
usually between 0.80 and 0.95, that helps thermal emittance. A potato wrapped in foil (right) stays
them cool down. Bare, shiny metal warmer longer since its aluminum surface has low thermal
emittance. Image Source: Wikipedia, Free Clipart Images
surfaces, like aluminum foil, have low

2
thermal emittance, which helps them stay warm. A bare metal surface that reflects as much
sunlight as a white surface will stay warmer in the sun because it emits less thermal radiation.

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is another metric for comparing the “coolness” of roof surfaces1. It
is calculatedi from solar reflectance and thermal emittance values. The higher the SRI, the cooler
the roof will be in the sun. For exampleii, a clean black roof could have an SRI of 0, while a
clean white roof could have an SRI of 100. Dark roofs usually have an SRI less than 20.

What Qualifies as a Cool Roof

Typical minimum cool roof requirements are shown in Table 1, and this is what we mean by
“cool roof” throughout this document. A roof can qualify as cool in one of two ways. The first
way is by meeting or exceeding both the minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance
values. The alternative way is to meet or exceed the minimum SRI requirement. This allows
some roofs that have a low thermal emittance and a high solar reflectance (or vice versa) to still
qualify as a cool roof.
2
Table 1: Typical Minimum Cool Roof Requirements, California Energy Commission
Solar Thermal Solar Reflectance
Roof Type Reflectance AND Emittance OR Index (SRI)
[3-year aged] [new or aged] [3-year aged]
Low sloped 0.55 0.75 64
Steep sloped 0.20 0.75 16

Cool roof requirements depend on the roof’s slope. Low sloped roofs have a pitch of 9.5° or less
(2:12 rise over run), while steep sloped roofs have a pitch greater than this. Requirements are
usually less stringent for steep sloped roofs. Some heavier roofs – such as those with concrete
pavers, ballast, or vegetation – also have less stringent cool roof standards. The weight of these
roofs causes them to heat up more slowly, and during the night some of that stored heat is
returned to the outdoor environment.

Others use different cool roof definitions. For example, the US Green Building Council’s
(USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program currently uses
minimum aged SRI values of 78 and 29 for low and steep sloped cool roofs, respectivelyiii. The
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has decided to implement cool roofs on all its buildings
whenever practicable3. The DOE uses the low sloped cool roof definition shown in Table 2 and
defines steep sloped cool roofs as those with a 3-year aged SRI of 29 or greater. The ENERGY
STAR® program specifies minimum solar reflectance (low slope: 0.65 initial, 0.50 aged; steep
slope: 0.25 initial, 0.15 aged) and does not consider thermal emittance. To satisfy local building
i
A spreadsheet that calculates SRI is offered at http://coolcolors.lbl.gov/assets/docs/SRI Calculator/SRI-calc10.xls.
ii
For these examples we assume the clean black roof has a solar reflectance of 0.05 and a thermal emittance of 0.90,
and the clean white roof has a solar reflectance of 0.80 and thermal emittance of 0.90.
iii
SRI 78 can be achieved by a roof with a solar reflectance of 0.77 and thermal emittance of 0.20. A less
reflective (0.64) but more emissive roof (0.90) also achieves SRI 78. SRI 29 could be achieved with a solar
reflectance of 0.28 and emittance of 0.90.

3
codes or to meet rebate program requirements, be sure to find and use the appropriate cool roof
definition.

Reading Cool Roof Product Labels

To help consumers compare the cool aspects of roof materials and coatings, the Cool Roof
Rating Council (CRRC) manages a system for independently evaluating and documenting their
properties. Roof products that are tested to CRRC methods receive a performance label,
Figure 4, showing the measured solar reflectance and thermal emittance values. NOTE: Any
roofing product that is tested by a CRRC accredited laboratory can be listed in the CRRC
directory. Being listed does not imply that a product is cool.

Because roof material surface properties can change over time due to soiling and weathering,
values are measured and reported for both initial and three-year weathered conditions. The label
in Figure 4 shows this product’s solar reflectance has dropped from 0.87 to 0.77 after three years.
Most weathering or soiling occurs during the first year or two, and then values tend to stabilize.
Tested product data are published
Figure 4: A CRRC Product Label
onlineiv by the CRRC.

Not All Cool Roofs Are White

Although white materials tend to be
very good solar reflectors, colored
roofing materials, like those shown
in Figure 5, can also be made to
reflect more sunlight. More than
half of the sunlight reaching the
earth is invisible to the human eye, Weathered solar reflectance values should be used when
and this invisible sunlight heats the evaluating roof energy cost savings. Image Source: CRRC
roof. A colored surface that reflects
much of the invisible sunlight is a
called a cool dark color, or cool Figure 5: Cool Dark Colors
color. A cool dark color reflects
more sunlight than a similar-
looking conventional dark color,
but less than a light-colored surface.
For example, a conventional dark
colored surface might reflect 20%
of incoming sunlight, a cool dark
colored surface, 40%; and a light- Cool-colored tiles (top row) look just like conventionally colored
colored surface, 80%. tiles but have higher solar reflectance (R). Image Source: American
Rooftile Coatings and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

iv
http://www.coolroofs.org/codes_and_programs.html

4
Heat Gains, Heat Losses, and Thermal Insulation
Heat flows naturally from a warmer space to a colder space. Heat that flows into the building is
called heat gain, while heat that flows out of the building is called heat loss. When too much
heat gain (loss) occurs, your air conditioning system (heating system) operates to keep the space
comfortable. A large amount of heat can be gained (or lost) through a building’s roof.
Cool roofs reduce heat gains throughout the year. This can save you energy on cooling, but it can
also increase the energy you need for heating. Often, the annual cooling energy cost savings is
substantially higher than the heating penalty.

Thermal insulation can greatly reduce the amount of heat lost or gained through a roof system.
Even though cool roofs reduce solar heat gains, they are never a substitute for using sufficient
thermal insulation. Insulation reduces heat losses and heat gains through the roof in ways a
reflective surface cannot. For more information about the importance of thermal insulation, see
these DOE resources: Residential Insulation Fact Sheetv and Commercial Buildings: Walls and
Roofs.vi

Types of Cool Roofs

Roof systems are made of one or more material layers. The surface exposed to the sun is the one
that determines if a roof is cool or not. Different roofing systems present different surface
options. By selecting the right surface, you can usually make your new or existing roof cool.
Here are some common roof systems along with a description of how their surfaces can be made
cool. To learn more about these and other roof systems, check with the National Roofing
Contractors Association.vii

Cool Roof Coatings contain white or special reflective pigments that reflect sunlight. Coatings
are like very thick paints that can protect the roof surface from ultra-violet (UV) light and
chemical damage, and some offer water protection and restorative features as well. Coatings can
extend a roof’s service life as long as the roof is still in good condition, Figure 6. More than 500
different cool roof coatings are available, and products exist for most roof types. Manufacturers
also coat some roof surfacing materials (membranes, metals, granules, etc.) at the factory to
make them more reflective.

Low Sloped Roofs

Single-ply Membranes are pre-fabricated sheets that are rolled onto the roof and attached with
mechanical fasteners, adhered with chemical adhesives, or held in place with ballast (gravel,
stones, or pavers). Some kinds of membranes, like TPOviii and PVCix, are typically white and

v
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls/insulation/
vi
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/commercial/walls.html
vii
http://www.nrca.net/consumer/roofsystems.aspx
viii
TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin.
ix
PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride.

5
reflect sunlight well. Others, like EPDMx, are typically black, and must be formulated differently
or coated to make them reflective.

Built-Up Roofs consist of a base sheet, fabric reinforcement layers, and a protective surface layer
that is traditionally dark. The surface layer can be made in a few different ways, and each has
cool options. One way involves embedding mineral aggregate (gravel) in a flood coat of asphalt.
By substituting reflective marble chips or gray slag for dark gravel you can make the roof cool.
A second way built-up roofs are finished is with a mineral surfaced sheet. These can be made
cool with reflective mineral granules or with a factory-applied coating. Another surface option
involves coating the roof with a dark asphaltic emulsion. This type can be made cool by applying
a cool coating directly on top of the dark emulsion.

Modified Bitumen Sheet Membranes are composed of Figure 6:

one or more layers of plastic or rubber material with Two Cool Roof Installations
reinforcing fabrics, and are surfaced with mineral granules
or with a smooth finish. A modified bitumen sheet can
also be used to surface a built-up roof, and this is called a
“hybrid” roof. Modified bitumen surfaces can be pre-
coated at the factory to make them cool.

Spray Polyurethane Foam roofs are constructed by

mixing two liquid chemicals together that react and
expand to form one solid piece that adheres to the roof.
Since foams are highly susceptible to mechanical,
moisture, and UV damage, they rely on a protective
coating. These coatings are traditionally reflective and
offer cool roof performance.

Steep Sloped Roofs

Shingled Roofs consist of overlapping panels made from
any of numerous materials. Fiberglass asphalt shingles,
commonly used on homes, are coated with granules for
protection. Cool asphalt shingles are use specially coated
granules that provide better solar reflectance. While it is
possible to coat existing asphalt shingles to make them
cool, this is not normally recommended or approved by
shingle manufacturers. Other shingles are made from
wood, polymers, or metals and these can be coated at the
factory or in the field to make them more reflective. Metal A cool coating is applied to a dark roof
(top), and a cool single-ply membrane
shingles are described in the Metal Roofs section that roof is unrolled (bottom). Image Source:
follows. DIY Advice

x
EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene M-class, a kind of synthetic rubber.

6
Tile Roofs can be made of clay, slate, or concrete. Clay and slate tiles come from the ground, so
their colors differ depending on the earth’s composition. Some varieties will naturally be
reflective enough to achieve cool roof standards. Tiles can be also be glazed to provide
waterproofing or coated to provide customized colors and surface properties. These surface
treatments can transform tiles with low solar reflectance into cool roof tiles.

Low and Steep Sloped Roofs

Metal Roofs are available with natural metallic finishes, oven-baked paint finishes, or granular
coated surfaces. Usually, unpainted metals are good solar reflectors but poor thermal emitters so
they rarely satisfy low slope cool roof requirements, though some may still have a high enough
SRI to count as a cool roofxi. Paint applied at the factory or in the field can increase a metal
roof’s solar reflectance and thermal emittance, allowing it to achieve cool roof status.
Alternatively, cool reflective coatings can be applied as with low sloped metal roofs.

Should You Use a Cool Roof

In this section, we discuss the key factors outlined in Table 2 that can help you determine if a
cool roof is appropriate for your project.

Table 2: Key Factors for Deciding on a Cool Roof

Key Factors Questions
Project Requirements What kinds of roof or repair options are appropriate for your building?
Regulation Is a cool roof required by code for your building?
Is a cool roof encouraged by voluntary programs?
Economics How much more will a cool roof cost?
Is there a rebate or tax incentive available?
What cost savings can you expect from a cool roof?
Other Considerations Are there ordinances that restrict roof appearance / color?
Are cool roof products available?
How will a cool roof affect roof durability?

Project Requirements
It is best to begin by determining the most appropriate roof systems or repair/maintenance
methods for your building. For existing roofs, the three main options are to coat the roof, re-
cover the roof with a new waterproofing surface, or tear off the existing roof and replace it with a
new roof. If your roof is in poor condition or near the end of its life, it is usually best to re-cover,
replace, or retrofit the roof. In some cases it is possible to build a second roof on top of an
existing old roof, but this depends on building codes and the structural integrity of your roof. If,

xi
Suppose a metal roof has an aged solar reflectance of 0.70 and a thermal emittance of only 0.10. Although the
emittance is below the Table 1 requirements, the reflectance might be high enough to make up for it using the
alternative SRI requirement. Using the SRI calculator, you find that this roof has an SRI of 60. This is high enough
(SRI>16) to be cool for a steep-slope application, but too low (SRI>64) for a low-slope application.

7
instead, your roof is in moderate condition and needs only minor repairs, a coating can be used
after any repairs have been made.

For new or replacement roofs, you should talk with your roofing contractor or consultant to
decide which roof types make sense for your building. Knowing which roof types to consider
will make it easier to determine if a cool roof makes sense.

Is Cool Roof Required or Encouraged

In some regions, cool roofs are required by legislation. Voluntary programs may also encourage
building owners to pursue cool roofs. For example, irrespective of climate, cool roofs qualify for
1 point under the USGBC’s LEED-NC 2009, Sustainable Sites Credit. When cool roofs are
optional yet encouraged, the decision should be considered carefully as cool roofs do not
perform equally well everywhere.

On the web, the CRRC maintains a listxii of state codes, industry standards, and voluntary
programs for cool roofs. Check with your roofing contractor and your local building authority, as
these programs may change.

Cool Roof Economics

Roof cost should be evaluated using a lifecycle approach. This means taking into account the
upfront costs as well as the ongoing savings and expenses incurred throughout the roof’s service
lifetime. Other non-cost considerations are shown in Table 3. Roof lifetime, expected
maintenance (regular roof inspections, repairs, and recoatings), disposal, and replacement costs
should be evaluated for each viable roof option. Table 4 shows the range of benefits and costs
you can expect to encounter for cool roofs.

Table 3: Non-cost Considerations

Factor Notes
Voluntary Programs Some programs encourage cool roofs, even when they may not
be the best choice
Comfort In unconditioned spaces like warehouses, cool roofs can
maintain cooler indoor temperatures
Durability Cool roofs may degrade slower and last longer than similar non-
cool roofs, but more data are needed to establish this benefit
Maintenance Some cool roofs in hot, humid environments may be more
susceptible to mold or algae growth; this can be cleaned off

xii
http://www.coolroofs.org/codes_and_programs.html

8
 Table 4: Cool vs. Hot Roofs, Typical Expected Savings and Premiums

Cool vs. Hot Roof Notes

2
Upfront Savings (Costs) $/ft roof area
Installed Cost (0.00-0.75) Material cost premium. As shown in Tables 5 & 6, most cool
options have only a slight cost premium or none at all.
Rebates 0.00-0.20 Rebates are available in select locations, check here:
http://www.coolroofs.org/codes_and_programs.html.
HVAC Downsizing 0.00-0.07 Reductions in peak cooling capacity tend to be modest, and are
only possible when cool roofing coincides with HVAC
replacement and reductions enable use of smaller AC systems.
2
Annual Savings (Costs) $/ft /yr roof area
Cooling Energy 0.00-0.13 Varies by location, insulation levels, HVAC equipment and
Heating Energy (0.00-0.03) efficiency, and utility rates. Estimate energy cost savings with the
Roof Savings Calculator: http://www.roofcalc.com.
Snow on roofs can reduce the heating energy penalty.

How Much More Will It Cost

A cool roof need not cost more than a non-cool roof. Major roof costs include upfront
installation (materials & labor) and ongoing maintenance (repair, recoating, and cleaning).

Materials & Labor

The installed costs of a roof can vary depending on several factors, including its type, size,
complexity, method of attachment, and building location. Nevertheless, in cases where new roof
surfaces need to be installed, cool roof options are usually similar in cost or slightly more
expensive than similar non-cool alternatives (see Table 5). Slightly higher upfront costs occur
mostly in colored roofs that require specialty reflective pigments. Manufacturers must research,
develop, and test cool products, and this can also lead to higher prices. The labor required to
install or coat cool roofs is about the same as for non-cool roofs.

On the other hand, converting a roof that is in good condition into a cool roof can cost more (see
Table 6). For instance, if you want to coat your new dark roof just to make it a cool roof, the
additional cost can be significant. More often, roofs are coated to extend their lifetimes. If you
are already planning to coat your roof, then using a cool coating instead of a dark one will
probably cost about the same. Notice that the cost of coating a roof cool depends on the existing
roof’s surface. Rough surfaced roofs, like those covered in granules, have more surface area, and
require more coating material to achieve the desired thickness. If the existing roof is not already
cool, it may require one extra coating to ensure full coverage.

Typical, approximate installed roof cost premiums for different cool roof options are given in
Tables 5 and 6. The premiums equal the additional cost you can expect to pay for a cool product.
For example, if you are planning to install a mineral-surfaced modified bitumen roof, the table
indicates you might expect to pay $0.50/ft2 more for a cool roof with the same kind of surface.
Since costs vary widely by location, check with your roofing contractor or estimator for more
accurate cost comparisons.

9
 Table 5: Roof Surfaces, Cool Alternatives, and Approximate Price Premiums*
Price Premium
Roof Typical Non-Cool Surface Cool Alternative 2
($/ft )
Built-Up Roof Mineral aggregate embedded Light-colored aggregate, 0.00
in flood coat like marble chips, gray slag
Asphaltic emulsion Field applied coating on 0.80-1.50
top of emulsion
Mineral surfaced cap sheet White mineral granules 0.50
§
Metal Unpainted metal May already be cool 0.00
Factory applied white paint 0.20
Painted metal Cool-colored paint 0.00-1.00+
Modified Bitumen Mineral surfaced cap sheet Factory applied coating, 0.50
white mineral granules
Gravel surface in bitumen Light colored gravel 0.00
Metallic foil May already be cool 0.00
Field applied coating 0.80-1.50
Asphalt coating Field applied coating on 0.80-1.50
top of asphaltic coating
§
Shingles Mineral granules White granules 0.00
Cool-colored granules 0.35-0.75
Sprayed Liquid applied coating Most coatings are already 0.00
Polyurethane cool to protect the foam
Foam Aggregate Light colored aggregate 0.00
Thermoplastic White, colored, or dark Choose a white or light 0.00
Membranes surface colored surface
Thermoset Dark membrane, not Cool EPDM formulation 0.10-0.15
Membranes ballasted (adhered or Factory cool ply or coating 0.50
mechanically attached) on dark EPDM
§
Tiles Non-reflective colors Clay, slate: naturally cool 0.00
Cool colored coatings 0.00
*Premiums are the extra cost, per square foot of roof area, of installing the cool roof option as compared with the corresponding
non-cool option. Premiums are based on achieving the minimum cool roof characteristics described in Table 1. Values are
approximate, and are based on discussions with roofing contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, and RSMeans cost data.
§
These roofs may be used in steep slope applications where cool roof requirements are less stringent. Uncoated metal roofs
normally meet requirements for steep slope, but not for low slope. Premiums for shingles & tiles are based on steep slope
requirements. All other premiums are based on low slope requirements.

Table 6: Making an Existing Roof Cool, Approximate Price Premiums*

Price Premium
Roof Maintenance Option Cool Alternative 2
($/ft )
Smooth Dark Leave roof as-is Apply cool coating 1.25-2.40
Surface Apply restorative dark coating Apply cool coating instead 0.00-1.70
(asphalt, bitumen, colored
coating, etc.)
Rough Dark Surface Leave roof as-is Apply cool coating 1.45-2.75
Apply restorative dark coating Apply cool coating instead 0.00-1.90
(asphalt, bitumen, colored
coating, etc.)
Old Light or Cool Leave roof as-is Apply maintenance coat 0.80-2.00
Surface (single coat)
Apply restorative dark Apply cool maintenance 0.00-1.45
maintenance coating (asphalt, coating (single coat)
bitumen, colored coating, etc.)
Any Roof Replace roof Replace with cool roof See Table 5
*Premiums are the extra cost, per square foot of roof area, of installing the cool roof option as compared with the corresponding
non-cool option. Premiums are based on achieving the minimum cool roof characteristics described in Table 1. Values are
approximate, and are based on discussions with roofing contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, and RSMeans cost data.

10
Maintenance of cool roofs is similar to non-cool roofs. Dirtying of roofs reduces solar
reflectance. Although annual cleaning can restore up to 90% of initial reflectance, the energy
cost savings alone does not warrant the cost4. If you do clean your roof, be sure to follow the
manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations, since improper cleaning (e.g., power washing, harsh
chemicals) could damage your roof.

In warm, moist locations, cool roof surfaces can be more susceptible to algae or mold growth
than hot roofs. This is not a major problem, but it can look bad and reduce the roof’s reflectance.
Some roof coatings include special chemicals that prevent mold or algae growth, and these can
last for a few years.

In cold climates, roofs can accumulate moisture through condensation, and this may eventually
lead to material degradation. Moisture control in cold climates is an important part of any roof’s
design. It is possible, though not yet proven, that cool roofs might be more susceptible to
accumulating moisture than dark roofs of the same design. This phenomenon is discussed in
more detail in the precautions section, and can be avoided using proper design techniques.

How Much Will You Save

Cool roofs can save money in several ways, including energy savings, rebates and incentives,
HVAC equipment downsizing, and extended roof lifetime.

Energy Savings from reducing cooling loads are achieved each year, reducing building operating
costs. Climate, roof reflectance, insulation levels, utility rates, and HVAC equipment efficiency
all affect the expected savings. Web-based calculation tools make it easier for building owners
predict the yearly energy and cost savings associated with cool roofs. Later, we will show you
where to find and how to use one such tool to predict savings.

Rebates and Incentives for cool roofs are offered by some utilities and agencies. To find out if
there are any programs in your location, visit the CRRC websitexiii and check with your roofing
contractor. Currently, certain kinds of residential cool roof projects are eligible for a Federal Tax
Credit of 30% of materials, up to $1,5005. Nonresidential building rebate programs can be more
complicated, and may also include other efficiency measures besides cool roofs. Contact the
rebate program agencies to determine the probable savings associated with a cool roof rebate.

HVAC Equipment Savings may be achieved when a cool roof reduces peak cooling loads
significantly enough to reduce the air conditioning capacity needed. At best, the associated
savings are modest ($0.03-0.07/ft2 of cool roof area), and can only be realized when HVAC
equipment is being replaced at the same time as the roof. Be aware that downsizing HVAC
equipment could lead to insufficient cooling capacity if the cool roof becomes excessively dirty
or is later replaced with a dark roof.

xiii
http://www.coolroofs.org/codes_and_programs.html.

11
Extended Roof Lifetime is one possible advantage of using cool roofs. Roofs wear out and fail
for many reasons, and some are linked to temperature. For example, higher temperatures can
speed up material degradation. Cool roofs maintain a lower average temperature, so, in principle,
this could slow heat-related degradation. Furthermore, several metal roof manufacturers believe
that cooler roof temperatures slow color fading. In cases where heat-related degradation is the
main reason for roof failure, it is plausible that a cool roof could be more durable and outlast a
similar dark roof. More study is required to quantify these effects. Damage caused by other
sources, like mechanical impacts, will not be avoided by using a cool roof. Today, manufacturers
offer similar warranties for both cool and non-cool roofs.

Online Tools to Predict Energy Savings

The Roof Savings Calculatorxiv is a Figure 7: Roof Savings Calculator
simple and free online tool that allows
users to calculate annual energy savings
associated with choosing a cool roof
instead of a dark roof. A portion of the
interface is shown in Figure 7.

To use this tool, you will need to answer a

few basic questions about your building
and two proposed roofs. The results will
show you how much energy savings you
can expect to achieve by choosing a cool
roof versus a dark- or less-cool roof, or by
converting your existing roof to a cool
roof. Several key factors affect the
amount of energy you can save.
This online calculator lets users estimate the energy-
savings from using a cool roof in place of a dark one.

Climate has the biggest impact on energy savings. Cool roofs achieve the greatest cooling
savings in hot climates (Climate Zones 1-3; see Figure 8) but can increase energy costs in colder
climates due to reduced beneficial winter time heat gains. The DOE Cool Roof Calculator takes
into account your local climate when you select the state and a city nearest your building.

xiv
http://www.roofcalc.com

12
 Figure 8: U.S. Climate Zones

These 8 climate zones in the US represent a wide range of weather conditions. Cool roofs are recommended
most strongly for buildings in Zones 1-3, where cooling loads are most significant. Image Source: U.S. DOE

Solar Reflectance and Thermal Emittance values of the roof surface help determine its
temperature. Most roofs are not washed frequently, so we recommend using aged values to
predict energy savings. If aged values for your roof are unknown, you can estimate the aged solar
reflectance based on the initial solar reflectance by using this formulaxv:

Aged Reflectance = 0.7 x (Initial Reflectance – 0.2) + 0.2

Some materials retain solar reflectance better than others, so use measured aged values whenever
possible. Using initial values for thermal emittance is fine, since these values tend to change less
over time.

Insulation reduces heat flow through the roof. A well-insulated roof will benefit less from a cool
roof than a poorly insulated roof. Recent energy codes recommend R-20 insulation for
nonresidential buildings in all U.S. climate zones, except for Climate Zone 1 (which is R-15). If
you don’t know your roof’s insulation, you can use R-20 for a conservative savings estimate if
your building was constructed in the past 15 years.

Utility Rates & Fuel Types vary by location and by customer. This tool allows you to specify
what type of fuel you use for heating and cooling, as well as the price you pay. By clicking on
the buttons, you can find recent average utility rates for your state.
xv
For example, if a roof material has an initial solar reflectance of 0.80, using the equation you can predict that the
expected aged reflectance is 0.62 as shown here: Aged Reflectance = 0.7*(0.80-0.2) + 0.2 = 0.62

13
Equipment Efficiency affects savings as well. Buildings with less efficient HVAC equipment
will save more energy with cool roofs. If you plan to replace your inefficient HVAC equipment
soon after replacing the roof, be sure to input the updated efficiency values.

Results are obtained after entering the above information and clicking the “Calculate” button. A
calculation routine will predict your annual energy cost savings per square foot of roof area.
Cooling Savings and Heating Savings (penalty) are presented, along with Net Energy Savings
(penalty). Heating penalties are usually smaller than cooling savings, so most locations will yield
a net energy cost savings for cool roofs.

Hypothetical Example 1: Roof Coating Comparisonxvi

Suppose your building has a 20,000 ft2 roof that is in reasonable condition, and you want to coat
the roof to make it last five years longer. Your roofing contractor gives you two proposals: one
for a dark coating and one for a cool coating. If the cool coating costs $0.10 more per square
foot, is it worth it to spend the extra $2,000 ($0.10/ft2 x 20,000ft2) to have a cool roof?

1. Begin by using the Roof Savings Calculator to compare the two roofs. Suppose you find
that the cool roof lowers the cooling bill by $0.06/ft2 and increases the heating bill by
$0.02/ft2. On average, you will save $0.04/ft2 (= $0.06/ft2 – $0.02/ft2) on energy.
2. Next, calculate annual energy cost savings by multiplying the net savings by the roof area
(20,000ft2). Each year you would save $800 on energy costs (= $1,200 cooling –
$400 extra for heating). Since the coating lasts five years, you would expect to save
$4,000 (= $800/yr x 5 yr) on energy over the life of the coating.
3. Finally, to find the simple net savings, subtract the premium (if any) for the cool roof. In
this case, the cool roof was $2,000 more, so the net savings would be $2,000 = (= $4,000
saved – $2,000 extra). In this case, the cool roof looks like the better investment.

Note: even though the cool roof saves money, the net savings would only cover a small fraction
of the total coating installation.

Table 7: Example 1 – Simple Cool Coating Comparison

Incremental Lifetime Benefit
Roof Area Years
Benefit or Cost or Cost
Extra Upfront Cost $0.10/ft
2
n/a = -$2,000
Cooling Energy Savings 2
$0.06/ ft /yr x20,000 ft
2 = +$6,000
Heating Energy Penalty 2 x5 yr =
$0.02/ ft /yr -$2,000

Lifetime Savings: $2,000

xvi
Costs used in these examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual costs.

14
Hypothetical Example 2: Roof Re-cover or Replacement
Suppose that the same roof has come to the end of its useful life and you must replace it. You are
evaluating a dark and a white membrane, each with a 15-year warranty. As before, the cool
option costs $0.10/ft2 more than the dark membrane, and the cooling savings and heating penalty
are the same as Example 1. This time, the predicted simple net savings ($10,000) are much larger
because the new roof lasts three times longer than the coating in Example 1.

Table 8: Example 2 – Simple Roof Replacement Comparison

Incremental Lifetime Benefit
Roof Area Years
Benefit or Cost or Cost
Extra Upfront Cost $0.10/ft
2
n/a = -$2,000
2
Cooling Energy Savings 2
$0.06/ ft /yr x20,000 ft = +$18,000
x15 yr
Heating Energy Penalty 2
$0.02/ ft /yr = -$6,000
Lifetime Savings: $10,000

Cool Roof Selection and Applications

If you decide to consider a cool roof, these notes can help you select and install the right option
for your building. The decision to make your existing roof a cool roof usually means deciding to
coat the roof, replace the roof, or build another roof on top of the existing roof. If your roof is in
good condition; has relatively few, easy-to-repair leaks; and has at least five years of expected
service life, a cool coating may be a good option.

Note that the main reason for coating a roof is to extend its service life, and the energy savings
alone will not normally provide sufficient financial reason to coat a roof to make it cool. If your
roof is in poor condition, or is approaching the end of its service life, a roof re-covering (adding a
new membrane) or replacement (removal of the existing roof, and installation of a new one) is
the likely option. Roof re-covering or replacement gives you the opportunity to select any kind of
roofing system and cool roof option you desire.

Above all, your roof must protect the building from the effects of weather, so be sure to select a
roof system that will do this well. A durable roof is the result of the combined efforts of the
building owner, specifier, manufacturer, and contractor. Insist that your installer follow all
manufacturer installation procedures. Asking the right questions and being involved can help
safeguard your investment. The following application notes will help guide you through this
process.

Roof Coatings can be rolled, brushed, or sprayed onto most kinds of roofs. Any leaks or
problems with the roof membrane must be repaired before coating the roof. If you plan to coat
your roof, selecting the right coating for your particular roof is the most important thing you can
do – cool roof or not. NOTE: Roof coatings are not the same as exterior paints. Ordinary
paints are not designed to last on roof surfaces and will not provide protection. Three major
kinds of coatings include acrylic, silicone, and urethanes, and cool roof formulations are

15
available for each, Table 9. Aluminized asphaltic emulsions provide a glossy finish for some roof
types, but fall short of meeting cool roof standards for low sloped roofs.
Coating quality varies widely by manufacturer. Improper coating installation can produce
coatings that flake off or wear out faster than they should. Insist that the installer follow the
manufacturer’s recommended installation procedures, especially regarding weather condition
restrictions during application and minimum coating thickness.

Table 9: Roof Coating Types Available in Cool Options

6

Coating Type Properties Cost

Acrylic Water based, easy to handle, good adhesion to most roof Moderate
types, most commonly used reflective coating, cures by
evaporation, reasonably strong, very sensitive to weather
Silicone Solvent based, typically used for spray polyurethane roofs, More
weather very well, weaker tensile strength, good water expensive
resistance
Urethane Solvent based, 3-10 times stronger than acrylic, greater More
adhesion to most roof types than acrylic, most cure with expensive
exposure to air, less sensitive to weather, more difficult to
work with

Roof Replacement or New Construction gives you an opportunity to select from many cool
roof options. In some cases an existing roof must be removed and a new roof installed in its
place. In other cases, it may be possible to build a second roof atop an existing roof, though this
depends on your roof’s condition and local building codes. Regardless of how the roof is
installed or replaced, here are some notes about cool roof options.

Single-Ply Membranes come in several types. TPO and PVC membranes are usually white and
reflective, and do not require additional formulations or cool coatings. EPDM membranes are
black, but can also be produced in white or cool colors. Durable cool EPDM options use black
EPDM that is pre-coated with a reflective coating or laminated with a reflective material. The
designer should consider membrane durability, since all membranes are not equally durablexvii.

Roof membranes that are attached with chemical adhesives must reach and maintain a minimum
temperature to bond properly. To compensate for reduced surface temperatures, cool roofs that
are chemically adhered might require warmer outdoor temperatures during installation to bond
properly. Make sure your contractor follows the recommended installation procedures.

Built-Up Roofs can be surfaced in three ways, and each has a cool option. First, light-colored
aggregate, such as marble chips, can replace the dark mineral aggregate commonly used with hot
bituminous flood coat surfacing. It is usually impractical to coat a gravel-surfaced built-up roof
with a cool coating. Doing so requires the removal of the non-embedded gravel, which may
affect the roof’s fire rating. Second, reflective aluminum pigments can be added, at some cost, to

xvii
Although roofing manufacturers’ warranties can provide useful information about expected roof longevity, they
may not necessarily tell the entire story. For example, while manufacturers may offer up to a 30-year material
warranty, this usually does not cover the seams, where premature failure can occur.

16
an asphalt-coated smooth surface, however these have a low thermal emittance and are not cool.
To make this surface cool requires an additional cool coating. Finally, cap sheets with white
mineral granules can be substituted for those with dark mineral surface, also at a small premium.

Modified Bitumen roofs should have protective coatings to provide heat resistance, ultraviolet
resistance, and fire resistance. SBS modified roofsxviii must be coated to prevent rapid ozone and
UV degradation. APP modified roofsxix may be left unsurfaced, but this is not recommended
because irregular surface cracks can develop that lead to premature aging. The protective
surfacing layer can be made of aggregate, mineral, metal foil laminate, or smooth surfaced with a
liquid coating. If a large amount of protective granules fall off, recoating becomes necessary.

Metal Roofs are often coated with Fluoropolymer- or Silicone-Polyester based paints, and many
colors can achieve cool roof performance. Some manufacturers offer cool colors almost
exclusively, since lower surface temperatures reduce color fading and cost premiums for the
reflective pigments are modest. Unpainted metal roofs tend to have a high reflectance but a low
thermal emittance, which prevents them from being considered cool in low slope applications.

Spray Polyurethane Foam roofs are typically coated and periodically re-coated with reflective
coatings to protect the foam from UV and water damage. As with membrane roofs, there are
many suitable cool roof coatings for spray foam roofs, with acrylic being the most common.
Some slightly pitched foam roofs cannot be white according to building appearance ordinances,
so gray or tan colors may be used instead.

Asphalt Shingles are not typically coated in the field and doing so may void the manufacturer’s
warranty. If you have asphalt shingles and wish to make your roof cool, you may need to replace
the shingles with reflective shingles. In such cases, it may be more cost effective to wait until the
shingles reach the end of their service life before replacing them with cool shingles. Other
shingles, like those made from wood, polymer, or metal, can be coated to achieve cool roof
status.

Tile Roofs may retain their color or not with aging depending on the type of tile. The color of
clay tiles depends on naturally occurring chemicals and minerals in the clay. The surface of clay
tiles may be altered by glazing the tiles during the manufacturing process. Concrete tiles can
receive a surface coating after being produced, or color can be dispersed throughout the tile as it
is produced (color through). The color of roofing slate depends on its chemical and mineral
makeup. Weathering slate exhibits color changes as it weathers, while permanent or unfading
slate retains its color with weathering. Selecting cool roof tiles that retain their surface properties
can yield better lifetime energy savings.

Cool Roof Maintenance As a cool roof becomes dirty from pollution, foot traffic, wind-
deposited debris, ponded water, and mold or algae growth, its reflectance will decrease, leading

xviii
SBS stands for Styrene Butadiene Styrene. SBS modified bitumen roofs have a flexible, rubber-like quality.
xix
APP stands for Atactic Polypropylene. APP modified bitumen roofs have a more rigid, plastic-like quality.

17
to higher temperatures. Especially dirty roofs may perform substantially worse than product
labels indicate. Dirt from foot traffic may be minimized by specifying designated walkways or
by limiting access to the roof. Steep sloped roofs have less of a problem with dirt accumulation
because rainwater can more easily wash away dirt and debris. Some cool roof surfaces are “self-
cleaning” which means they shed dirt more easily and may better retain their reflectance.
Cleaning a cool roof can restore solar reflectance close to its installed condition. Always check
with your roof manufacturer for the proper cleaning procedure, as some methods may damage
your roof. While it is generally not cost effective to clean a roof just for the energy savings, roof
cleaning can be integrated as one component of your roof’s routine maintenance program. It is
therefore best to estimate energy savings based on weathered solar reflectance values rather than
clean roof values.

Precautions & Considerations

Although cool roofs have been used successfully for many years, their use is growing and cool
roofs are now being installed in a wider range of climates. There are some important questions
about the durability of cool roof systems in certain applications.

Condensation, Moisture, and Ice

Designing a roof that can withstand and control moisture is essential since uncontrolled moisture
could cause damage to the roof or the building. The following considerations illustrate how cool
roofs handle moisture differently than dark roofs.

Ponding occurs when water, typically from rain, accumulates in pools on the roof. This happens
when a roof has insufficient slope (caused by poor design or damage) or drain blockage. It takes
longer for ponded water to evaporate from a cool roof due to its lower temperature. If your cool
roof cannot tolerate ponding, it may be necessary to inspect the roof more frequently to prevent
damage or leaks.

Moisture from the indoor air can also condense within roof materials. If allowed to accumulate
over months or years, moisture could damage those materials. Ordinarily, heat from the sun dries
out building materials during the daytime and throughout the summer. In consistently hot
climates, like Phoenix, AZ (Climate Zones 1-3 in Figure 8), there is little risk for this kind of
moisture build-up.7 In colder climates, like Chicago or Alaska (Climate Zones 5-8 in Figure 8),
there is less heat available to dry out the roof and more opportunities for condensation to occur.
Without proper design, both dark and cool roofs can accumulate moisture in colder climates.
Cool roofs maintain lower temperatures than dark roofs, and so they may provide less heat to dry
out moisture. Potentially, this could make a cool roof more susceptible to moisture accumulation
when used in colder climates. While this issue has been observed in both cool and dark roofs in
cold climates,8 the authors are not aware of any data that clearly demonstrate a higher occurrence
in cool roofs. The potential for persistent moisture levels to arise in different roof designs and
climates is the subject of ongoing research.

18
Mind Your Surroundings
Cool roofs must be considered in the context of your surroundings. It is relatively easy to specify
a cool roof and predict energy savings, but some thinking ahead can prevent other headaches.
Ask this question before installing a cool roof: Where will the reflected sunlight go?

A bright, reflective roof could reflect light and heat into the higher windows of taller neighboring
buildings. In sunny conditions, this could cause uncomfortable glare and unwanted heat for you
or your neighbors. Excess heat caused by reflections increases air conditioning energy use,
negating some of the energy saving benefits of the cool roof.

Zero Net Energy Buildings

Zero Net Energy Buildings produce as much energy as they consume on an annual basis, using
on-site renewable energy sources like electricity-producing solar photovoltaic (PV) panels and
solar thermal collectors for water heating. Typically, zero net energy buildings consume very
little energy to begin with, and are highly air sealed and insulated. Consequently, adding cool,
reflective roof surfaces to extremely well insulated roofs will not produce significant energy
savings.

Roof-mounted solar panels absorb sunlight to produce electricity and/or heat. Like dark roofs,
these become hot in the sun and can increase the building’s air conditioning demand. Roofs that
are largely covered by traditional PV panels may suffer from increased will not benefit much
from a reflective coating beneath the panels. Thin film PV modules, which can be integrated into
roofing materials, can achieve an effective solar reflectance that meets cool roof requirements for
steep sloped roofs9. In cases where solar panels cover only part of the roof, it may be beneficial
to install a cool roof on the exposed portions of the roof.

19
Resources
Additional information about cool roof benefits, applications, incentives, and policy can be
found at the organizations and links listed below.

Energy & Cost Savings Calculator

Roof Savings Calculator
http://www.roofcalc.com

Industry Associations
Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association National Roofing Contractors Association
750 National Press Building 10255 W. Higgins Road, Suite 600
529 14th Street, NW Rosemont, IL 60018-5607
Washington, DC 20045 Phone: (847) 299-9070
Phone: (202) 207-0919 http://www.nrca.net
http://www.asphaltroofing.org
Center for Environmental Innovation in Reflective Roof Coating Institute
Roofing 400 Admiral Boulevard
816 Connecticut Ave., NW, 5th Floor Kansas City, MO 64106
Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (816) 221-1297
Phone: (866) 928-2347 http://www.therrci.org
http://www.roofingcenter.org
Cool Metal Roofing Coalition Roof Coating Manufacturers Association
680 Andersen Drive 750 National Press Building
Pittsburgh, PA 15220 529 14th Street, NW
Phone: (412) 922-2772 Washington, DC 20045
http://www.coolmetalroofing.org Phone: (202) 207-0919
http://www.roofcoatings.org
Metal Building Manufacturers Association Roof Consultants Institute
1300 Sumner Ave. 1500 Sunday Drive, Suite 204
Cleveland, OH 44115-2851 Raleigh, North Carolina 27607
Phone: (216) 241-7333 Phone: (800) 828-1902 or (919) 859-0742
http://www.mbma.com http://www.rci-online.org
Metal Construction Association Single Ply Roofing Industry
4700 W. Lake Avenue 411 Waverley Oaks Road, Suite 331B
Glenview, IL 60025 Waltham, MA 02452
Phone: (847) 375-4718 Phone: (781) 647-7026
http://www.metalconstruction.org http://www.spri.org
Metal Roofing Alliance Tile Roofing Institute
E. 4142 Hwy 302 230 East Ohio St., Suite 400
Belfair, WA 98528 Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: (360) 275-6164 Phone: (312) 670-4177
http://www.metalroofing.com http://www.tileroofing.org

20
Material & Product Ratings
Cool Roofing Materials Database ENERGY STAR Reflective Roof Products
Lawrence Berkeley National Labs 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
http://eetd.lbl.gov/CoolRoofs Washington, DC 20460
Phone: (888) 782-7937
Cool Roof Rating Council
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=roof_pr
1610 Harrison Street
ods.pr_roof_products
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: (866) 465-2523 or (510) 485-7175
http://www.coolroofs.org

Cool Roof Research Groups

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Heat Island Group Building Envelopes Program
http://eetd.lbl.gov/HeatIsland http://www.ornl.gov/sci/roofs+walls

Other Resources
Consumer Energy Center U.S. Department of Energy
California Energy Commission Federal Energy Management Program
http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/coolroof http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/features/cool
_roof_resources.html
Flex Your Power
Cool Roofs Product Guide
http://www.fypower.org/com/tools/products_res
ults.html?id=100123

End Notes
1
ASTM Standard E1980. 2001. “Standard practice for calculating solar reflectance index of horizontal and low-
sloped opaque surfaces.” ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA.
2
California Energy Commission. 2008. “2008 Building energy efficiency standards for residential and
nonresidential buildings.” December.
3
Chu, Steven. 2010. “Installation of cool roofs on Department of Energy buildings.” Memorandum from the
Secretary of Energy. U.S. Department of Energy. June.
4
Bretz, S.E. and H. Akbari. “Long-term performance of high-albedo roof coatings.” Energy and Buildings.
25(1997)159-167.
5
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2010. Cool roof tax credit. http://tinyurl.com/ko5ued.
6
Leonard, J. 2008. Featured Focus: Roof Coatings. Journal of Architectural Coatings. 2008. Jan/Feb. pp.10-22.
7
Bludau, C., D. Zirkelbach, and H.M. Kuenzel. 2009. Condensation problems in cool roofs. Interface, the Journal
of RCI. Vol. XXVII, No.7.
8
Hutchinson, T. 2009. “Cool roofing challenging what’s cool.” Eco-structure. http://www.eco-structure.com/cool-
roofing/challenging-whats-cool.aspx.
9
Kriner. S. 2009. “Thin film photovoltaics & their impact on a commercial building’s cooling load.” Canadian
Roofing Contractor & Design. Jan/Feb. http://www.sarnafilus.com/thin-film-photovoltaics.pdf.

21