http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate/2011/07/21/painting-bill-clinton%E2%80%99s-white-roofs-into-reality/
Former President Bill Clinton has pushed for an incredibly simply yet efficient way of saving energy and money across the globe, painting roofs white. Houses with white, solar reflective roofs can reflect up to 70% more sunlight than the traditional black tar roof. If the 11 largest metropolitan cities in the United States painted the roofs of their buildings white, 7 gigawatts of electricity would be saved, equal to the production of 14 power plants. The labor costs of painting roofs would be covered within the year. Legislation could be passed requiring that all roofs be painted in a solar reflective white and America could lead the way in a landmark environmental movement. The best part of this simple proposition is that there are practically no downfalls; the only thing that could be argued would be reduced house aesthetics or an issue of personal choice, a small pittance in comparison to the vast benefits. Personally, I am appalled that I had not heard about this proposition prior to reading this article and am surprised businesses aren’t already putting this into place to save money.
I agree with what you said. I cannot believe I have never heard of this before. If simply painting roofs white can safe that much energy and reflect that much sunlight why hasn't it been made a bigger deal? I think Legislation should put something in place about this.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Are you sure there is no issue with all the heat being reflected back? Would this not heat up the outside at all? Saving energy i think is the only answer to saving our planet.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting idea but it definitely raises a lot of questions. Sure, it helps cut costs in the Summer but what about in the Winter, would it not cost more to heat it up again? Also, re-painting a roof is not cheap, especially if extra precautions must be taken in dealing with the not so safe black tar. With costs in the thousands per house, can we really afford to spend all this money on something that may or may not have a noticeable effect? The idea is no doubt one we should look into, but not before questions surrounding it are answered.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a very good idea to help the earth. But if you think about it, it presents several problems. First of all, not everyone can even consider this. Anyone in and apartment or a development wouldn't be able to with out convincing their HOA. It is also very expensive, for paint and service. Some roofs can't be painted. I just think that it is important to think about solutions to some of these problems as well.
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