The NSW government has mandated lighter-coloured roofs in Sydney’s south-west growth area to dial back the heat island effect, with Planning Minister Rob Stokes saying Australia’s obsession with dark roofing was leading to “astronomical electricity bills”.
The decision is based on University of NSW research commissioned by the federal government that indicates ditching dark roofing across Sydney will lower the city’s summer ambient temperatures by up to 2.4 degrees. A switch to cool-roofing options as simple as a coat of white paint could also drive down indoor temperatures in uninsulated homes in western Sydney by an average of 4 degrees, and 10 degrees during heatwaves, making them potentially life-saving measures.
Professor Mat Santamouris, from UNSW’s School of Built Environment, said the comprehensive study showed that ridding the skyline of dark roofing would reduce energy consumption by 30 per cent, and in some circumstances, 40 per cent.
An alternative solution for existing dark roof houses, is to install a hot air extraction fan inside roof cavities. Sky High Energy Control offers an Australian made smart roof fan. It can also be customised to passively cool and aerate heated bedrooms below for less than $6 per month.
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