University of Hawaii Study Finds Green Roofs Cooler Than White Roofs
A 2018 study by the University of Hawaii revealed that green roofs in Honolulu stay cooler than white roofs, particularly during peak daytime temperatures. The green roof's average surface temperature was 4.1°F lower.
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What Happened?
A 2018 study by the University of Hawaii revealed that green roofs in Honolulu stay cooler than white roofs, particularly during peak daytime temperatures. The green roof's average surface temperature was 4.1°F lower.
Why it matters
The findings could help cities like Honolulu address urban heat challenges.
Key points
- The study compared a green roof with a white roof over 36 days.
- The green roof's average daytime surface temperature was 82.6°F, compared to 86.7°F for the white roof.
- Peak temperatures were 94.5°F for the green roof and 113°F for the white roof, showing an 18.5°F difference.
- The green roof's cooling effect was also observed in the air above it, averaging 3.4°F lower.
- Plants on the green roof help cool the air through evapotranspiration.
Key insights
- The significant temperature difference suggests that green roofs could be a viable solution to mitigate urban heat islands.
- The delayed peak temperature of the green roof indicates its thermal inertia, which may enhance building energy efficiency.
- Further research on different vegetation types could optimize the cooling benefits of green roofs.
- The cooling effect of green roofs may improve air quality in urban areas by reducing heat.
AI Quick Summary
A University of Hawaii study found that green roofs are cooler than white roofs, with significant temperature differences during the day.
Source
Times of India