The “Urban Heat Island” effect has started to increase in Hyderabad because global temperatures are rising. The Telangana government established the Cool Roof Policy Telangana 2023-2028 as a solution to this problem. With this groundbreaking initiative, Telangana becomes the first Indian state to establish a requirement for thermal comfort and heat-resistant environmental systems.
The Telangana Cool Roof Policy presents necessary information for homeowners, builders, and commercial developers who want to meet legal requirements while practising sustainable living.
What is the Cool Roof Policy of Telangana?
The Telangana Cool Roof Policy functions as a strategic plan that will operate between 2023 and 2028 to decrease the amount of heat that buildings retain. The state aims to achieve 300 square kilometres of roof coverage by 2028, which will result in annual electricity savings of 600 million units.
How Does a Cool Roof Work?
Traditional dark roofs absorb up to 80% of sunlight, which results in increased temperatures that warm the building interior. A Cool Roof system operates by using high-albedo materials, which reflect sunlight while releasing all the heat that it has absorbed.
- Solar Reflectance: The ability to reflect sunlight (UV, visible, and infrared).
- Thermal Emittance: The ability to release absorbed heat.
Why Should You Care?
- Indoor Cooling: The system decreases indoor temperatures by 2.1°C to 4.3°C.
- Lower Bills: The system decreases air conditioning energy consumption by up to 20%.
- Environmental Impact: The system reduces the Urban Heat Island effect while decreasing CO2 emissions.
Cool Roof Policy Telangana: Considerations and Guidelines
The policy mandates specific requirements based on the type and size of the structure:
| Category | Requirement Type | Applicability |
| Government Buildings | Mandatory | All state-owned offices and housing schemes (e.g., Indiramma Houses). |
| Commercial/Non-Residential | Mandatory | All hospitals, malls, schools, and offices, regardless of size. |
| Residential (Large Plots) | Mandatory | Plots measuring 600 square yards (500 sq. meters) and above. |
| Residential (Small Plots) | Voluntary | Plots below 600 sq. yards (highly encouraged for incentives). |
Technical Specifications for Compliance
To qualify as a “Cool Roof” under Telangana’s standards, the material must meet the following criteria:
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): The recommended SRI value for flat roofs should start at 90 or above.
- Reflectance & Emittance: The initial solar reflectance must reach a minimum of 0.70, while the thermal emittance should start at 0.75.
Types of Cool Roof Materials
Coated Cool Roofs: Solar reflective paints and acrylic polymers (Cost-effective, needs recoating every 3–5 years).
- Tiled Cool Roofs: High-albedo ceramic or mosaic tiles (High durability, SRI > 90).
- Membrane Cool Roofs: Pre-fabricated PVC or bitumen sheets (Best for industrial/large commercial flat roofs).
Implementation and Compliance of Telangana Cool Roof Policy
The policy is strictly integrated into the TG-bPASS (Telangana Building Permission Approval and Self-Certification System). Your Occupancy Certificate (OC) requires you to achieve compliance with the specified requirements.
- Application Phase: During the building permit stage on the TG-bPASS portal, applicants need to declare their intention to use cool roof materials.
- Purchase and Installation: Acquire materials exclusively from vendors who have received certification. We need to keep all invoices together with technical data sheets, which display SRI values.
- Self-Certification: The building completion notice phase requires you to upload site photographs together with material proof.
- Verification: The authorities perform random audits of the system. The process of obtaining an Occupancy Certificate will face delays because of non-compliance and will result in penalties.
Cost of Implementation
While costs vary, the average price for a cool roof application is approximately ₹300 per square meter. Given the electricity savings, most property owners recover this investment within 18 to 24 months.
The Scientific Foundation
The Telangana Cool Roof Policy exists as an administrative directive that receives support from multiple research studies conducted over several years. Pilot programs conducted in 2017 by IIIT-Hyderabad, the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), and the NRDC proved that city-wide adoption can reduce Hyderabad’s ambient air temperature by 2°C.
Official Oversight
The Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department controls the policy execution. The GHMC police station system handles operations in Hyderabad, while the DTCP police station system manages operations throughout the state to guarantee proper implementation at all Urban Local Bodies.
Final Thoughts
The Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-2028 is a game-changer for urban sustainability. By making cool roofs mandatory for large plots and commercial spaces, the state is securing a cooler, more affordable future for its citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the Cool Roof Policy mandatory for all homes in Telangana?
It is mandatory for residential plots of 600 sq. yards and above, and all government or commercial buildings. For plots below 600 sq. yards, it is currently voluntary but highly encouraged for energy savings.
Q2: How does the policy affect my Occupancy Certificate (OC)?
Compliance with the Cool Roof Policy is integrated into the TG-bPASS portal; you must show proof of cool roof installation to obtain your final Occupancy Certificate.
Q3: What materials are approved under the Telangana Cool Roof Policy?
You can use solar reflective paints, specialised cool roof tiles (like white ceramic or mosaic), or thermal membranes that meet the state’s SRI standards.
Q4: How much does it cost to implement a cool roof?
On average, it costs approximately ₹300 per square meter, and the investment is typically recovered within 2 years through reduced electricity bills.
Q5: Can I apply a cool roof to an existing old building?
Yes, the policy encourages retrofitting existing buildings with reflective coatings or tiles to improve thermal comfort and reduce cooling costs.
