Environmental Benefits
Power Grid: According to research conducted by Lawrence Berkeley National Labs, (Urban Heat Island Group) power demand rises 2% for every 1(F) of daily peak temperatures. On warm days, in Los Angeles we estimate that about 1-1.5 gigawatts of power are used to compensate for the heat island. More than one sixth of electricity consumed in the United States goes to cool buildings, at an annual power cost of over $40 billion. Studies by the DOE for Los Angeles alone cost ratepayers about $100,000 per hour, about $100 million per year.
Also for every ton of CO2 the demand on power increases by 1 kilowatt hour, the solar reflective surfaces will reduce ambient air temperatures thereby reducing the load on the power grid in cities where Urban Heat Island exists. The Cool-America Plan will save the cities money through reduced demand on power in kilowatt hours and also save Americans money in reduced kilowatt hours on their monthly electric bill. (lbnl)
Air Quality: The relationship between heat and smog is well known. The probability of smog increases by 5% for every 0.5°F rise in daily maximum temperature above 70°F. (http://heatisland.lbl.gov/EnergyUse). Asphalt surfaces are 30˚-80˚(F) hotter than ambient air. Reducing the heat of the pavement, roofs, and buildings with cool coatings and/or cool materials will reduces atmospheric heat and the pull on electric power during peak heat. This in turn will reduce smog, ozone and greenhouse gasses improving air quality. The Cool-America Plan eliminates the need for more costly anti-smog regulations proposed by the EPA, the most recent of which was overruled by the President on September 2, 2011. Implementation of the Cool-America Plan NOW will most likely make the rule a mute point by 2013 when it comes up for review again.
Carbon Offsets: The Department of Energy has established that 10 tons of CO2 is offset for every 1000 sq. ft. of solar reflective surfaces with albedo equal to .4 SRI or greater (Akbari et.al.) Implementation of the Cool-America Plan will put America to work while reducing the Carbon Footprint of every city in America.
Water Quality: It known that the asphalt is carcinogenic due to the fact that it contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminates. Whether on pavement or roofs, the leaching of harmful PAH compounds into the water system has been documented. Non VOC coatings are now available for roofs, pavement and exterior paints which allow uncontaminated water to drain from the from the surface into the landscape vegetation.
Public Health: Heat is now the number one cause of weather related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines heatstroke as a life-threatening and debilitating condition that occurs due to the body temperature elevating over 104˚F. The CDC goes on to explain that heatstroke can be caused by increased environmental temperatures and strenuous physical activity. A recently published article from the American Academy of Pediatrics (July 2000) recognized that children and the elderly are at greater risk for heat due to the effect of the Urban Heat Island.
Children's Health: Inner City Schools are today challenged with finding a solution for mitigating heat on the hot recess play yards. Most of the thermal heat radiated from asphalt remains in the 1-4 foot "Hot Zone." Kids absorb this heat more than adults while sweating less, and as a result have a greater chance for heat exhaustion or heat stroke. During the heat of the school day playgrounds can average between 145-160 degrees and are at the greatest risk of heat stoke in Urban Heat Islands. A change from black asphalt to cool solar reflective colors on playgrounds can save our children’s health.
Pedestrian Safety: Application of solar reflective coatings have been proven to in Europe to improve ability of drivers to recognize designated areas for pedestrians by color recognition. The use of color to designate crosswalk and bike lanes has had consistent positive results in helping drivers to avoid accidents and injury.
