Researchers from the University of Melbourne have discovered a new way of keeping commercial buildings in the city cool this summer – white roofs.
In conjunction with the City of Melbourne, the research team discovered that commercial buildings – along with residential and industrial – could benefit from the findings.
"White roofs can cool commercial buildings by three per cent on hot days, which helps reduce the urban heat island effect and improve the health of city users," councillor and chair of the Future Melbourne (Eco-City) Committee Cathy Oke said (January 24).
According to senior lecturer at the University of Melbourne and lead author of the research Councillor Dominique Hes, buildings can reflect heat rather than absorbing it.
"White roofs are a low cost solution in making buildings more sustainable, particularly for our older buildings."
"And if our air conditioners are not working as hard, there are financial benefits for buildings owners as well," she added.
Dr Hes stated that if the roofs of Melbourne's 3,500,000 square metres of commercial space were painted white, then the city could reduce its carbon emissions by 1.5 million kilograms.