Cool Roof Systems

The thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) system with R30 insulation (EPA recognized cool roof system) are recommended by the EPA Heat Island Reduction Program and recognized by Energy Star occupants for benefits such as:

• increased occupant comfort, especially during hot summer months
• reduced air conditioning use, resulting in energy savings typically of 10-30%,
• decrease roof maintenance costs due to longer roof life.
• enables the downsizing of cooling equipment,
• decreases pollution in urban areas,
• reduces “heat island effect, and
• is ideal for typical southwest building construction and other hot sunny climate conditions

On a hot, sunny, summer day, a black roof that reflects 5 percent of the sun’s energy and emits more than 90 percent of the heat it absorbs can reach 180°F (82°C). A metal roof will reflect the majority of the sun’s energy while releasing about a fourth of the heat that it absorbs and can warm to 160°F (71°C). A cool roof will reflect and emit the majority of the sun’s energy and reach a peak temperature of 120°F (49°C).

ARRA funding is being used to continue the upgrading City of Albuquerque municipal buildings to high energy efficiency buildings. Funds were used to remove built-up layers of roofing material and install 217,223 square feet of TPO Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) - Heat Weldable Roofing, "cool roof system" on City facilities.

Per the EPA, TPO roofing systems reduce building cooling cost, during the summer months, by approximately 10%; therefore the installation of 217,223 square feet of TPO reduces the annual City electric consumption by 625,606 kWh per.  According to the EPA eGrid sub-region electrical emission calculator the TPO installations reduce CO₂ emissions related to electrical generation by 162 metric tons annually.

The TPO roof system are recommended by the EPA Heat Island Reduction Program and recognized by Energy Star as a roofing material system that reduces energy required to cool a building by increasing the roofs solar reflectance and thermal emittance (radiative properties).

• Annual Reduction in CO₂emission equivalents: 162 metric tons.
• Annual avoid cost of Electrical Purchases: $156,401.
• Project is warranted for 30 years of service
• Budget: $1,944,076.
• Funding Source: EECBG Grant

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