As temperatures continue to rise across India, facility owners are constantly looking for smart ways to reduce indoor heat without increasing electricity bills. One of the most effective and affordable solutions today is Cool Roof technology – a method that reflects solar heat, lowers roof surface temperature, and improves overall building comfort.
Beyond energy savings, cool roofs also help commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings earn sustainability points under IGBC and GRIHA green rating systems. This makes them a valuable long-term investment for facilities aiming for certification or simply wanting to operate more sustainably.
IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) and GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) are India’s leading green building rating systems, awarding points for sustainable design/construction, with levels like Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum (IGBC) or 1-5 Stars (GRIHA) based on total score, encouraging energy/water efficiency, sustainable materials, and site management, offering benefits like cost savings and marketability for developers.
What Is a Cool Roof & Why It Matters
A cool roof is a roofing system designed with high solar reflectance (ability to reflect sunlight) and high thermal emittance (ability to release absorbed heat). Together, these properties reduce heat absorption and keep buildings significantly cooler.
Why this matters for facility owners
- Lower indoor temperatures by 3-8°C
- Reduce roof surface temperature by 15-25°C
- Reduce AC load and electricity bills
- Improve worker comfort in warehouses, factories, and offices
- Increase the lifespan of the roof and HVAC equipment
With rising energy costs in India, cool roofs deliver fast ROI and long-term savings.
Overview of Green Rating Systems in India
IGBC (Indian Green Building Council)
IGBC rates buildings based on energy efficiency, sustainability practices, and occupant comfort.
Cool roofs help facilities meet criteria under Energy Efficiency and Heat Island Effect Reduction.
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
GRIHA focuses on reducing environmental impact and improving thermal performance.
Cool roof applications directly support points under Energy Optimisation and Heat Island Effect.
For facility owners, adopting cool roof solutions can simplify your path toward certification.
Also Read: How Cool Roof Coatings Extend Roof Life
IGBC Points You Can Earn with Cool Roofs
Cool roofs contribute to the following IGBC categories:
Heat Island Effect Reduction
- SRI ≥ 78 for low-slope roofs
- SRI ≥ 29 for steep-slope roofs
- Points Earned: 1–2
This reduces localised heating and improves overall environmental performance.
Energy Efficiency (Indirect Points)
- Cool roofs reduce cooling demand, helping buildings meet required energy-saving targets.
- Depending on your overall energy performance, this can help secure up to 10–14 points indirectly.
Thermal Comfort
For non-conditioned spaces like warehouses, cool roofs improve comfort naturally.
Points Earned: 1–2 (indirect contribution)
Quick IGBC Summary Table
| IGBC Criteria | Requirement | Points |
| Heat Island Effect | SRI Compliance | 1–2 |
| Energy Efficiency | Reduced HVAC Load | Up to 14 (indirect) |
| Thermal Comfort | Better indoor temperature | 1–2 |
GRIHA Points You Can Earn with Cool Roofs
Under GRIHA, cool roofs help in key sustainability categories:
Reduce Heat Island Effect
- Use of high-reflectance roof coatings or materials.
- Points Earned: 1-2
Energy Optimization
- Cool roofs improve thermal performance and reduce cooling energy use.
- Points depend on performance improvement (varies per building type).
GRIHA for Existing Buildings
Cool roofs can help facilities achieve measurable operational energy reductions, qualifying for performance-based credits.
Real Case Studies
Warehouse Example
A logistics warehouse in Gujarat applied a high-SRI reflective roof coating.
Results:
- Roof temperature dropped by 20°C
- Indoor temperature reduced by 5-7°C
- 12% electricity savings
- Qualified for IGBC Heat Island points
Manufacturing Unit
A factory in Telangana achieved:
- Better worker comfort
- Lower HVAC load
- Compliance with GRIHA’s Heat Island Effect criteria
- Adding such examples helps owners visualise benefits instantly
Conclusion
Cool roof technology is no longer just an optional upgrade. It has become a practical, cost-saving, and sustainability-driven solution for facilities across India. By significantly lowering roof and indoor temperatures, cool roofs help reduce energy consumption, enhance occupant comfort, and extend the life of building systems.
What makes them even more valuable is their ability to contribute directly and indirectly to IGBC and GRIHA green building points, supporting facilities in achieving higher certification levels. Whether it’s Heat Island Effect Reduction, Energy Optimization, or improved thermal comfort, cool roofs offer measurable advantages that align perfectly with modern sustainability goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do cool roof coatings work on metal roofs?
Yes, they work exceptionally well by reducing direct heat absorption.
Can coatings withstand heavy rain and sunlight?
High-quality elastomeric coatings are UV-resistant and waterproof.
What is the lifespan of a cool roof coating?
5 to 10 years depending on product quality and maintenance.
Do cool roofs help non-AC facilities?
Absolutely, workers experience better comfort and productivity.
