It is no new concept that darker colors absorb more sunlight. So why then is the concept of using white reflective roofing just now being adopted as a means of conserving energy? In previous years the idea of using white roofing has been rejected due to worries of interrupting aircraft flight. As environmental issues have become more influential over the years, the white roofing concept has finally been implemented in many buildings throughout the globe.

The difference made by the new roofing is easily illustrated through numbers. Standard black roofing absorbs around 80% of solar energy, while white rooftops reflect away almost 90% of the same solar energy. The rooftops work by reflecting the sun back into the atmosphere, keeping the interior of the building cooler and more energy efficient.

It has been proven over the years that urban areas are usually three to eight degrees warmer than rural surrounding areas. Why you ask? The buildings we have been constructing for years draw in and absorb solar energy at astounding rates due mostly to the dark roofing materials used. With over three percent of Earth’s land mass being covered by towns and cities alike, it’s no wonder why we consume so much energy and draw in so much heat. However, the use of white roofing can dramatically change that.

Regardless of the reason as to why this idea hasn’t been implemented earlier, “later is better than never” and we’re definitely making up for lost time. The building of these white roofs has skyrocketed in the past years and is being used for many large commercial buildings as well as homes.