In 2001, researchers tested a white roof on a large Austin retail store; the study reported lower roof temperatures and an 11% reduction in cooling energy use

A 2001 study in Austin demonstrated that white roofs lowered building temperatures significantly. This change reduced air conditioning energy use by eleven percent and peak demand by fourteen percent. The research showed substantial annual savings for commercial buildings with reflective roofing. Widespread adoption of cool roofs can decrease national air conditioning energy use considerably. Simple color choices offer effective solutions for urban heat and energy efficiency.