Which is Better for Cooling: Rooftop Gardening or White Roof Coating?
Have you ever wondered which method is more effective in cooling buildings—planting greenery on rooftops or painting rooftops and floors white? A team of researchers in London has already conducted a study to answer this question!
Climate researchers from University College London in the UK have studied whether “rooftop gardening” or “white roof coating” is more effective in lowering building and surrounding temperatures to combat global warming.
In London, many buildings have transformed their rooftops into green spaces to help reduce temperatures while also promoting biodiversity. However, some buildings have opted for a different approach—painting their rooftops white to reflect solar heat back into the atmosphere, preventing heat from being trapped within urban areas, buildings, or streets.
To determine which method is more effective, researchers analyzed rooftop temperatures and environmental conditions across London on two extremely hot days in 2018.
The study found that while rooftop gardening effectively reduces daytime temperatures, it tends to trap heat in the soil and plants, releasing it at night, which can raise nighttime temperatures. In contrast, white roof coating helps keep buildings cool more effectively, both during the day and night.
However, researchers noted that rooftop gardening still has significant ecological benefits. It provides habitats for small animals and insects, enhances urban biodiversity, and offers shade during the daytime. On the other hand, buildings unsuitable for rooftop gardening due to structural weight limitations or other factors may benefit more from white coatings. One key factor to consider, though, is the maintenance of white-painted surfaces—keeping them clean and well-maintained is crucial to ensuring optimal heat reflection over time.
Source: TNN Thailand
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