Argonne modeled Chicago’s August 2021 heatwave with different roof types; white roofs lowered air temperature by nearly 2°C and cooling energy use by 16.6%

Transforming the rooftops of Chicago into cooler surfaces has led to a notable reduction in city temperatures. The use of white cool roofs emerged as the most effective option, achieving a temperature drop of nearly two degrees Celsius. Additionally, vegetative green roofs provided significant cooling and stormwater management. Solar panel roofs not only delivered energy savings but also enhanced cooling, especially when used to power air conditioning systems.