GBA’s Roof Consultants Realize Energy Savings for Building Owners/Operators

By John R. Cook, PE, RRC, RRO

GBA Principal

The movement toward energy-efficient building design has been gaining momentum for many years, but with a new administration in place, building energy efficiency has become central to the nation’s goals not only for energy independence but for economic recovery. Among other measures, the administration’s comprehensive New Energy for America plan calls for “deploying the cheapest, cleanest, fastest energy source – energy efficiency.” In its original version at least, this plan called for establishing national building efficiency goals that would improve new building efficiency by 50 percent and existing building efficiency by 25 percent over the next decade.

A properly designed and maintained roofing system can play an important role in helping building owners and operators achieve these important goals. GBA’s roof consultants, along with the firm’s engineers and architects, are working closely with clients in the Kansas City area and throughout the country to ensure that their roofing systems do just that.

Cool Roofs: Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Cool roofing technology is based on using light-colored, reflective materials on flat rooftops to minimize the absorption of heat. Generally speaking, cool roofs are highly reflective and emissive. They reflect sunlight and reradiate absorbed heat as light energy back to the atmosphere, rather than transferring absorbed heat to the building below. During the summer months, cool roof materials will absorb 35% less solar energy, keeping rooftop surfaces 50 to 60 degrees F. cooler.

With cool roof membranes in place, Northern U.S. cities such as Chicago and New York could save an estimated $10 million to $15 million every year in cooling costs. Cities with warmer climates and more days of sun such as Houston and Los Angeles could save even more, possibly as much as $40 million each year. California recognized the importance of cool roofs by adopting Title 24 standards, which require that roofing products be tested and rated according to a system developed by the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC). Other states are sure to follow.

Numerous other organizations – from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) to the Department of Energy (DOE) – are helping to promote energy efficiency in the building industry. The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Energy Star program rates the energy efficiency of materials used in buildings and products. For the roofing industry, the program bases energy efficiency on the solar reflectance of a material.

Cool Roofs Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect

Lower temperatures in and around buildings reduce air pollution and ozone damage related to the urban heat island phenomenon. Urban heat islands are caused by dark colored rooftops, pavement, and other surfaces that absorb and radiate heat from the sun. Within these urban heat islands, temperatures can be six to 10 degrees F. higher than in rural areas. Higher temperatures not only result in higher energy consumption for cooling buildings, but also cause pollutants that create ground-level ozone or smog. Cool roofing systems minimize the urban heat island effect, lowering energy use and associated costs and reducing damage to the environment and to human health. The systems typically last longer than conventional roofs and, because many are spray-applied, contribute significantly less to US landfills.

Condition Is Key to Maximizing Efficiency

No matter what roof system is specified, it must be in good condition to achieve maximum energy efficiency. Annual inspections identify irregularities that could compromise the integrity of the system. Regular upkeep and maintenance keep the roof system intact and ensure that it provides the desired standards of energy efficiency. GBA’s roof consultants work with clients during all stages of planning, design, and maintenance/management, including implementation of GBA’s Roof Asset Management program, to maximize roof life and energy efficiency.

As the nation’s goals for energy efficiency are more fully defined, GBA’s engineers, architects, and roof consultants will continue to help building owners and operators achieve these goals.

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