Green Roof Albedo

They have a positive impact on temperature both within the building and outside as well as improving air quality.

Green roof albedo.

On the contrary green roofs recorded an equivalent albedo of 0 7 0 85 gaffin et al 2006. In contrast to conventional roofs these kind are specifically designed to reduce internal building temperature by reflecting the sun s uv rays. The city of chicago has also attempted to make a change by creating a network of green alleyways by removing the former dark pavement and replacing it with albedo concrete. Ultimately the albedo of a green roof is about twice higher than the albedos found for dark roofing surfaces.

The new concrete is a whitish gray color that is able to reflect sunlight and keep not only the roads cooler but also the adjacent buildings. One way to increase the albedo of a roof is to plant vegetation. One of the more recent advancements in the field of green commercial construction are what are known as cool or albedo roofs. Rooftop gardens and green roof systems such as the stormcap create a buffer preventing heat from entering the building.

Although the primary focus of a green roof is not simply improving the surface albedo like the intentions of cool roofs it is still a significant improvement from a traditional black roof.