Download the Pdf and read the report here:

NYC-Cool-Roof-Legislation-Local-Law-21

Int. No. 347-A
By Council Member Garodnick, Brewer, Chin, Comrie, Fidler, Gentile, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Lander, Mark-Viverito, Nelson, Palma, Sanders Jr., Vann, Williams, Rodriguez, Gennaro, Van Bramer, Levin, Lappin, Recchia, Vallone, Crowley, Jackson, Koo, Wills, Barron and Greenfield

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York and the New York city building code, in relation to roof coating standards.

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. The Council finds that the use of cool roofs as a mitigation strategy for the “urban heat island effect”– the tendency of urban areas to be hotter than their suburban surroundings because of dark absorbent surfaces and a lack of vegetation–can result in lower energy use and reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while at the same time improving health and comfort in warm weather. A cool roof transfers less heat to the building below so that the building stays cooler and more comfortable during the summer, resulting in the use of less energy for cooling. A cool roof coating also increases the durability of the roof membrane because it is subject to reduced thermal cycling amplitude and UV radiation. At the same time local climate and site specific factors play a role in the amount of savings achieved. Cool roofs result in energy savings when they are most needed, during very hot summer periods subject to peak electrical demand. The disadvantages over the heating season, known as the “winter penalty”, have been found to be minimal in studies of New York City’s installations.

The Council further finds that studies show that North Atlantic states with relatively long heating seasons may nonetheless benefit and reap net savings from cool roofs because of high electricity costs in places like New York City. On a global level, implementing the proposal will also help combat global warming, because light is reflected into space rather than being turned into heat, which is then trapped in the CO2 blanket. Further, to the extent that energy demand is lessened, it can result in fewer air emissions and air quality related environmental diseases. New York City began addressing these issues by incorporating a requirement for white roofs in its last code cycle. Therefore, the Council finds that it is in the best interests of New York City to strengthen its roof coating standards to require the use of more reflective and emissive materials.

§2. Section 28-101.4.3 of the administrative code of the city of New York is amended by adding a new item 11 to read as follows:

11. Alterations involving the recovering or replacing of an existing roof covering shall comply with section 1504.8 of the New York city building code unless the area to be recovered or replaced is less than 50 percent of the roof area and less than 500 square feet.

§3. Section BC 1504.8 of the New York city building code, as added by local law number 33 for the year 2007, is amended to read as follows:

1504.8 Reflectance. Roof coverings on roofs or setbacks with slope equal to or less than [three] two units vertical in 12 units horizontal ([25] 17 percent) shall [be white in color or EnergyStar rated as highly reflective for at least 75 percent of the area of the roof or setback surface.] have:

1. a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.7 in accordance with ASTM C1549 or ASTM E 1918, and a minimum thermal emittance of 0.75 as determined in accordance with ASTM C1371 or ASTM E 408; or
2. a minimum SRI of 78 as determined in accordance with ASTM E 1980.
Exceptions:

1. Terraces on setbacks comprising less than 25 percent of the area of the largest floor plate in the building.
2. [Green roofs] Any portion of a roof covered by a green roof system, including such a system with agricultural plantings, in compliance with Section 1507.16 [shall be permitted to comprise part or all of the 75 percent required area coverage].
3. [Roofs] Any portion of a roof used as outdoor recreation space by the occupants of the building [shall be permitted to be either] that is landscaped, covered by wood decking or covered with a walking surface or other protective surface, provided that such walking surface or protective surface has [with an albedo of 30 percent or greater] a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.3 as determined in accordance with ASTM C1549 or ASTM E1918.
4. Ballasted roofs, provided that the ballast has a minimum initial solar reflectance of 0.2 as determined in accordance with ASTM C1549 or ASTM E1918.
5. Any portion of a roof that is under mechanical equipment, flush mounted solar panels lying directly on the roof surface, duckboarding, decking, platform, roof tank, cooling tower or any other rooftop structure or equipment exempted by rule by the commissioner.
6. Any roof or portion of a roof composed of glass, metal, clay or concrete tile or plastic/rubber intended to simulate clay or concrete tile, wood, or slate.
7. Any portion of a roof used by a school or daycare center as a playground for children.
8. Any roof, if the amount of rooftop space not subject to exceptions 1 through 7 is in the aggregate less than 100 square feet.

§4. Section BC 1510.1 of the New York city building code, as added by local law number 33 for the year 2007, is amended to read as follows:
1510.1 General. Materials and methods of application used for recovering or replacing an
existing roof covering shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 15.
Exception: Section 1504.8 shall not apply if the area to be recovered or replaced is less than 50 percent of the roof area and less than 500 square feet.

§5. The list of referenced standards of ASTM (ASTM International) as set forth in chapter 35 of the New York city building code is amended by adding, in appropriate numerical order, new standards ASTM C1371 – 04a(2010)e1, ASTM C1549 – 09, ASTM E408 – 71(2008), ASTM E1918 – 06, and ASTM E1980 – 11 to read as follows:
ASTM
ASTM International 100 Barr Harbor Drive West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959
Standard reference number
Title
C 1371 – 04a(2010)e1 C 1549 – 09 E 408 – 71(2008) E 1918 – 06 E1980 – 11 Standard Test Method for Determination of Emittance of Materials Near Room Temperature Using Portable Emissometers Standard Test Method for Determination of Solar Reflectance Near Ambient Temperature Using a Portable Solar Reflectometer Standard Test Methods for Total Normal Emittance of Surfaces Using Inspection-Meter Techniques Standard Test Method for Measuring Solar Reflectance of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Surfaces in the Field Standard Practice for Calculating Solar Reflectance Index of Horizontal and Low-Sloped Opaque Surfaces
§6. This local law shall take effect on January 1, 2012.
3/29/2011 5:45 pm

It’s ok though, because we think that they are awesome!

Thank you Heather for sharing your beautiful photos!

Have you seen a white roof in your travels? Many warm climates have always embraced lighter color building materials to ward off the heat!

Share your travel pics with us email Taylor (tpineiro [@] whiteroofproject.org) or post on our Facebook!

We are seeking 2 board members, 7 junior board coordinators and grant research volunteers to help make White Roof Project run. Join an exciting team of nonprofit entrepreneurs for a one year minimum commitment. Be a real part of the discussion and be part of our success.

Download a Coordinator Application and review open coordinator positions below.

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Board Members

Board members are an integral part of the White Roof Project’s success and should exhibit a deep commitment to the mission and purpose of  the organization. The purpose of the board is to advise, govern, oversee organizational practices and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of White Roof Project. All board members are expected to attend monthly meetings; and all commit additional hours toward the general welfare of the organization. Board members are voting members of White Roof Project’s leadership team.

Volunteer Operations Coordinator – responsible for coordinating roofing volunteers for summer partner projects and following up with these volunteers to thank them. This person will work closely with the ED on special volunteer projects.

Finance Coordinator – responsible for assisting the board and WRP legal advisors in filling reports and appropriate tax documents as well as tracking the receipt of grant monies and payment of vendors. This will be done in coordination with the Open Space Institute, WRP’s fiscal sponsor. The Finance Coordinator will work closely with the Board Member responsible for events to help supervise fundraisers, especially online and in person donations.

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Junior Board Members

Junior Board Members are non-voting individuals whose interest and commitment level mirrors that of the regular board. Junior board members commit to a term of one year and are provided excellent opportunities to learn from the regular board while being treated as equals in a young organization with an open structure and receptive leadership. Junior Board members participate in the ongoing functions of the White Roof Project and play an important role in sustaining the organization.

Events Coordinator – Responsible for assisting WRP Events Director with all fundraisers. Preferably this person should have local contacts for vendors of all types, be innovative and able to think on his/her feet, be available to work at all events and have experience planning events for non-profit organizations previously in NYC.

Deputy Institutional Funding Coordinator – responsible for finding grants and communicating their deadlines to the ED. This person will use their own discretion to determine the appropriateness of various grants and will also help review applications in process. This position provides an excellent platform for learning and working with WRP grant writers.

Deputy Social Media Coordinator – responsible for assisting with social media outreach,including Facebook, Twitter, and any others deemed strategically useful to the organization. The Deputy Social Media Coordinator will work closely with the Board Member responsible for social media and will assist with outreach to membership and relationship-building with the press, elected officials, and other grassroots organizations.

Communications Coordinator – responsible for media outreach, messaging, and the distribution of information to the press. The Communications Coordinator will work closely with the Social Media team and Board Member assigned to political outreach to ensure consistent messaging.

Chapter Operations Coordinator – responsible for communications with groups interested in chaptering, including answering questions and concerns of those spearheading WRP projects outside New York City. This person will work directly with the Founder and the WRP legal team.

Web Developer – responsible for assisting the Founder with website maintenance and updates as well as the expansion of internal web capacity.

Grant Research Volunteers - White Roof Project is also seeking several grant research volunteers to help grow the organization. Grant researchers will have the chance to be part of a committed group of activists and will work closely with WRP’s leadership.

A friend recently sent us this picture of white roof tops in Brooklyn’s Fort Green these houses are roughly between Flatbush av., Myrtle Av., Tillary st. and N Portland Av.

Beautiful sight!

RSVP here — Facebook Event Here

To most people, the topic of climate change can feel overwhelming. Many people don’t understand the science; some feel swayed by the deniers who say climate change isn’t happening. Others believe it’s happening, but feel powerless in the face of extreme weather events, melting ice caps, and images of polar bears drowning. They worry about the future their children will inherit. What can we do? First, learn the facts. Then learn about the solutions. In this presentation, Mr. Reale will use powerful audio visuals to discuss the science of climate change, its effects, denial in government and the media, and then will zero in on what can be done about it all, including personal actions people can take. A public discussion, with a question and answer format, will follow the presentation.

Stanford’s Mark Jacobson and John Ten Hoeve’s recent journal article on urban heat and white roofing has been spawning some eye-catching headlines. Take the shocking, “White roofs are not a global warming silver bullet, study finds.” Climate change solutions rarely make good sound bites. That’s probably why white roofing is so attractive. White paint is simple – easy to implement and easy to grasp.

The Urban Heat Island effect is where the simplicity of white roofing meets complication. The Urban Heat Island causes cities to stay hotter than surrounding suburbs due to a proliferation of heat-trapping surfaces such as roofs and roads. Part of the Stanford report’s intent was to dispute political critics who claim there’s no real climate change beyond the Urban Heat Island effect. If this is true, we can simply cool cities and forget about the rest of human impact on the Earth – a problematic concept for the broad contingent of experts who agree that harmful emissions are the major contributor to climate change. The Stanford report proves exactly what climatologists already knew, that Urban Heat Islands aren’t the end all be all of climate change.

So why bother using white roofs to combat Urban Heat Islands at all? White roofing keeps buildings cooler inside, decreasing the need for summer air-conditioning use. This saves cash-strapped and savvy Americans money while lowering stress on the power grids of big cities such as New York – where black outs and brown outs are summer hallmarks. Lowered energy consumption also reduces harmful emissions caused by the generation of energy. This lynchpin of white roofing is a key point that the Stanford report concedes to ignore. Polemic language aside, white roofing is a money saver, emissions reducer and a good idea for many urban areas. It is one tool in the arsenal of harmful emissions reduction.

Yet, Jacobson and Hoeve dispute a net benefit from white roofs, citing a study finding that on average across the globe, winter heating needs trump summer savings after white roofing.

The study misses a glaring point – white roof isn’t supposed to be modeled all over the globe. White roofing is a targeted strategy that works well in many dense urban areas; it was never recommended for a sort of willy-nilly, throw white coating everywhere implementation plan. White roofing is a net money saver in many cities, as illustrated HERE.

Debate over? Not yet. A final note of caution is delivered in the form of cloud cover. In simplified laymen’s terms, hotter air leads to more sun shielding clouds, meaning that – according to one very preliminary study, which the authors admit requires further research – the ambient air temperature reduction caused by white roofing may not be such a good thing in the aggregate. Jacobson and Hoeve use models that turn all urban roofs and roads white – an unrealistic feat of computerization that over-simplifies white roofing strategy. Again they find that, if implemented on the global scale, white roofing would decrease cloud cover creating a net warming. Another study modeled cloud cover city-by-city, finding cooling benefits in many dense cities, including northern ones.

White roofing does good; there’s no climate change prevention golden goose. White roofing has always been an urban strategy very much concerned with appropriate, benefit-maximizing execution. In the many cities white roof works, it can save 40% on energy bills and make a significant contribution – as part of a broader strategy – to emissions reduction. In dense cities where heat and cost savings matter a lot, this is nothing to scoff at.

Somehow when we fall down the rabbit hole of climate change data, it gets hard to claw our way back out with our sense of practical implementation in tact. The Jacobson and Hoeve study is a smart contribution to the white roof literature. Thankfully scientists, engineers and other modelers have the capacity to test our theories so that we don’t do more harm than good as we attempt to solve difficult problems with complex feedback loops.

When that job is done, it’s the media’s turn to report such findings in a responsible way that expresses all their limitations and caveats and encourages conversation that’s productive, not polemic. There’s plenty of space in our discourse for climate change detractors. Those attempting to find a solution will serve their cause well to remember not to throw the baby out with that bathwater. Targeted success and failure is hardly the same thing.

Here are our amazing Auction winners! Thank you to those who bid and to those who were willing to be auctioned off for a good cause!

Enjoy your ‘dates’ and please feel free to share pictures via Facebook or Twitter!

1. Vosges Haut Chocolat - La Petite Hatbox & Chocolate Souffle Class at DessertTruck Works with White Roof Project founder Juan Carlos Pineiro!
Winner – Taylor Pineiro

2. Attend the Daily Show in VIP-style with Jenifer Rajkumar, District Leader & Founder of W-Spin 
Winner – Brandon Clarke 

3. Receive professional dating advice from Destin Pfaff of Bravo’s The Millionaire Matchmaker
Winner – Elizabeth Kanter 

4. See the sights from a different view on an Outdoor Bound hike with GreenDrinks NYC Founder, Margaret Lydecker
Winner – Maria Barreto

5. Join Desiree Rabuse, Editor & Chief of Joonbug, at ANY concert at Brooklyn Bowl
Winner – David Shankman

6. Lunch at The Meatball Shop with Manhattan Borough President, Scott Stringer
Winner – Chris Baily

7. Become part of the art with political activist Jamie Ansorge at Sleep No More
Winner – Kelly Jean Fitzsimmons

8. Attend the invite-only Village Voice Web Awards with Erica Berger from The Economist
Winner – Ben Yee 

9. Take a Trapeze class at Trapeze School New York with our Executive Director Heather James
Winner – Andrew Scott 

10. 4 tickets to Museum of Sex & $50 gift certificate toward table time at SPiN with Dan Beksha
Winner – Christie Cash 

Congratulations  to all and thank you for your donations!

It’s a great way to tell your network about White Roof Project with us doing the work for you!

Tweets will always be directly related to spreading the word about White Roofing and helping to support White Roof Project in our mission!

Click the image below to donate your twitter account!

We thought this was a great article about the power of young people and of white roofing. Climate change is a big problem; and white rooftops are only a small part of the larger solution. But, the easy implementation and tangible aspects of white roofs help make them a first step that everyone can get on board with.

Check out these students from the Philippines: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=76&articleId=7037