Community | May 27, 2009 | 65 comments

US wants to paint the world white to save energy

source: http://green.yahoo.com/news/afp/20090526/sc_afp/climatewarmingusbritainchu.html

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retro_Syl
US Energy Secretary Steven Chu said Tuesday the Obama administration wanted to paint roofs an energy-reflecting white, as he took part in a climate change symposium in London.

The Nobel laureate in physics called for a "new revolution" in energy generation to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

But he warned there was no silver bullet for tackling climate change, and said a range of measures should be introduced, including painting flat roofs white.

Making roads and roofs a paler colour could have the equivalent effect of taking every car in the world off the road for 11 years, Chu said.

It was a geo-engineering scheme that was "completely benign" and would keep buildings cooler and reduce energy use from air conditioning, as well as reflecting sunlight back away from the Earth.

For people who found white hard on the eye, scientists had also developed "cool colours" which looked to the human eye like normal ones, but reflect heat like pale colours even if they are darker shades.

And painting cars in cool or light colours could deliver considerable savings on energy use for air conditioning units, he said.

Speaking at the start of a symposium on climate change hosted by the Prince of Wales and attended by more than 20 Nobel laureates, Chu said fresh thinking was required to cut the amount of carbon created by power generation.

He said: "The industrial revolution was a revolution in the use of energy. It offloaded from human and animal power into using fossil fuels.

"We have to go to a different new revolution that can severely decrease the amount of carbon emissions in the generation of energy."
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65 comments // US wants to paint the world white to save energy

  • Olfard101
    • 0
      Olfard101  

    • So say this idea takes, here are a few questions. First how about will it work in all regions and what type of paint will withstand both the brutal heat during summer and numbing cold of winter. Also just exactly how is this to bind to all types of roofs as well. Mind you this information might be available but my biggest question is in fact if as I have read in several places this is only good for flat surfaces than just what is the percentage of housing units that would fit this requirement. Think it is a lot smaller than would be required. I would go with something that would work on most roofs and could probably be retrofitted at minimal cost. Most roofs are laid on top of sheets of plywood, generally 1/2" thick. There is currently a product on the market that for a increase of $3.00 USD. a radiant barrier is attached during the process that will according to recent data in effect reduce the temperature in the crawl space/attic by 30%. The average home can be done for a additional 100.00 so it is a cost effective method of reducing cooling costs. The companies who manufacture this material should be able to engineer a recycled aluminum "barrier" that can be placed to the plywood that is already in place giving the home a reduction in energy needed to cool at a cost that should be compatible with applying newer and more efficient types of insulation*

      * While I understand I could discuss provisional patents etc on this idea I believe if it helps the planet it is worth giving.

    • 2 years ago
  • Jamesegan93
  • chmk
    • 0
      chmk  

    • Oddly enough the vast majority of the houses I see are already white.

      I mean, almost completely white! All white except for, err, except for the roof.

    • 2 years ago
  • SludgeCity_SteviMay
  • SludgeCity_SteviMay
  • chmk
  • mgerlach22
    • 0
      mgerlach22  

    • Go look at a satellite image of any metropolitan area...you might be surprised to find how many buildings already have a white, or light colored roof. This is nothing new...just typical of our government to be 5 years behind what actually works.

      And we elect these people to represent us...

    • 2 years ago
  • maisry
    • 0
      maisry  

    • It sounds like a good and simple start. Personally, I have a problem with large expanses of white. I had to install a light filtering shade in my picture window because of the glare from the white house and its wide light concrete driveway across the street.

    • 2 years ago
  • brianrebel
  • Ihatethemall
  • CofRed3
  • jazzyjackson
    • 0
      jazzyjackson  

    • A lot of naysayers are bringing up the idea that a white roof would somehow increase heating costs. I don't have a degree in thermodynamics or anything, but from what I understand, it's not about strict reflectivity - it's heat permeability.

      A black roof let's heat in AND out, a white roof acts as an insulator. I don't understand the science - so correct me if I'm wrong, but that's what I was told.

    • 2 years ago
  • wally60
  • omshaantih
    • 0
      omshaantih  

    • i wish i had a house to paint white...unfortunately all the people i know who own houses do not pay attention to this important stuff.

    • 2 years ago
  • ash_theory
  • TrentonJacobs
    • 0
      TrentonJacobs  

    • "Alright now, here's the plan. We destroyed the environment, so now lets fix it, because of course its within our capacity as man to control it! First we need to tackle the primary root of our troubles... color."

      pardon the sarcasm.

    • 2 years ago
  • Curiousdave
  • The_Inglorious_Bastard
    • 0
      The_Inglorious_Bastard  

    • I love how we evidently all live in warm climates where we only us AC and never need to pay for heating.

      Wouldn't a white roof increase my heating costs?

      I am a liberal and an Obama supporter, but this idea is half-baked and makes them look foolish.

    • 2 years ago
  • pcampra
  • The_Inglorious_Bastard
  • pcampra
    • 0
      pcampra  
    • pcampra:

      Good Question, because what Chu did not say is that roof whitening only works souht of paralell 40º (all USE but south of Rome and Madrid paralell) in order to save enough energy in AC in summer . In northern latitudes more home heating in winter offsets the benefits of white painting. But you can create colder microclimates and avoid urban heat island.

    • 2 years ago
  • GodsnLiberals
  • pjacobs51
    • 0
      pjacobs51  

    • We tested this back in 1990. Missouri State painted the roof of my pizza pub with a silver coating. It reduced the temp inside by 10-15 degrees. The roof itself, when black reached temps of up to 300 degrees, when silver it stayed pretty much the same as the air temperature.

      Sometimes the simplest things are the real answers.

    • 2 years ago
  • GoodGodGuy
  • current89
  • Herbal_Minded
  • TheEmpireGuy
  • diabolical44
    • 0
      diabolical44  

    • republicans will undoubtedly make fun of this just like they did when Barack suggested making sure everybody check their tire pressure to conserve gas, but it is actually a very good idea with very sound scientific support behind its reasoning.

    • 2 years ago
  • Agent_Alpha
    • 0
      Agent_Alpha  
    • diabolical44:

      Exactly, simple and everyone can do it. I remember the anti-tire inflation, in which McCain actually promoted it instead. and then Colbert said something like, I hope Obama is pro wiper fluid so I can get some free from McCain.

    • 2 years ago
  • islek
  • Agent_Alpha
  • betruelarue
    • 0
      betruelarue  

    • I already LOVE the idea of solar paneling and insulating your roofs with the reflective products for HUGE cost savings on the electric bill. I'll definitely use this to research when purchasing a new home in a few years. Cost saving AND good for our earth...sounds good to me :)

    • 2 years ago
  • AndreaKnoll
    • 0
      AndreaKnoll  

    • This makes so much sense. It's amazing that we aren't already doing it. But then again perhaps it makes too much sense for oil-loving Republicans!

    • 2 years ago
  • mgerlach22
    • 0
      mgerlach22  
    • AndreaKnoll:

      So oil isn't the answer...painting my roof white is?

      Why didn't we think of this sooner?

      Seriously, this is about as dumb as when the government spent millions to determine that the best way to reduce energy consumption was to extend daylight savings time in 2007. The ideas keep getting better.

    • 2 years ago
  • tommytripper
  • Found_Avenue
    • 0
      Found_Avenue  

    • Our home will be needing a new roof within the next few years, and we would absolutely look into making it a white one if I thought it would help, but our roof is a perfect /\ shape since our house is "chalet style." The articles I read about this yesterday said that this idea would only work for FLAT roofs that can essentially reflect the sun's light and energy straight up.

      How many flat roofs can you think of in your area? Most apartment/office buildings have flat roofs, but most homes here in the northeast do NOT, since people can't have heavy snow and ice buildups just sitting on the roof all winter long.

      Still not sure about the science behind this idea, but I'm an artist, not a scientist...

    • 2 years ago
  • riverratt50
    • 0
      riverratt50  

    • This is ignorant thinking. Global warming is a farce to pass carbon tax. http://www.globalwarminghoax.com/news.php?item.11.4
      Read the facts folks, do your home work. There are LOTS of things that need to be worried about before global warming. What about the abomination of Article 1 of our constitution. Not worried? What the heck you don't need to voice your opinion on sites like this. Let me just try and remind you, "Article 1, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceable to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
      NOW, H.R. 1388 formally the G.I.V.E. act, now renamed to a benign, "The Edward M. Kennedy Serve America act". Buried deep in this bill is H. Amdt49, and it passed, just needs your presidents signature. "Amendment to prohibit organizations from attempting to influence legislation; organize or engage in protest, petitions, boycotts, or strikes; and assist, promote, or deter union organizing."
      Do you still think painting your roof white is going to save the world, the United States, or anything in between? Worry about something worthy of your worry.

    • 2 years ago
  • retro_Syl
  • Ricky84
    • 0
      Ricky84  
    • riverratt50:

      You should probably read over that bill again. Amendment 49 restricts organizations operating under the G.I.V.E./S.E.R.V.E. act from engaging in political lobbying, endorsing or opposing legislation, organizing petitions, protests, boycotts, or strikes; providing or promoting abortions or referrals; or influencing union organizing. So basically if you work under either act you have to do your job and keep your political ideas to yourself instead of "preaching the good word" on the taxpayer's dime. This is actually a good thing.

      Government sponsored charities are already suspect enough since they invariably chosen not by the good they do but by the adherence to the political affiliation of those in power. Seriously the last thing we need is to allow the establishment to fund the political petitions, protests, boycotts, or strikes of an organization that was created to preform charitable works.

      Imagine if prop8 8 was funded through taxpayer money channeled through a Mormon soup kitchen? Or imagine if the opponents of prop 8 were funded through a non-profit intercity whatever. I'm pretty sure people would pretty pissed off either way.

    • 2 years ago
  • riverratt50
    • 0
      riverratt50  
    • riverratt50:

      That's all well and good. But, that's not what it says in the bill. It is left completely open ended and up for interpretation, thats the dangerous part of the Amendment. Once made law it can be applied where ever the necessities arise. It is true that it does what it says in speaking openly, "Prohibit organizations" (no definition offered) from attempting to influence legislation; (which we try and do through our right to protest)," and continues on to restrict ALL these activities that are inclusive in our first amendment right, while never offering a definition or an explanation that would conclude your interpretation .

    • 2 years ago
  • current89
  • advance1313
    • 0
      advance1313  
    • current89:

      Ssh!!! You're not supposed to notice that global warming is just a political football!!! Everyone just keep believing that you're all "free-thinkers" and that America is slowly destroying the world. Hate yourselves, it's your constitutional right! ... oh, wait, we don't care about those anymore either...

    • 2 years ago
  • rockstarmillionaire
  • AngelicEnforcer
  • yaget1chance
  • crashbangnoises
    • 0
      crashbangnoises  

    • well, everyone thinks Bermuda is a beautiful place and not harsh on the eyes. Every single house has a white limestone coated roof that has ridges to catch rain water. The limestone naturally purifies the water as it drains down into storage underneath the houses. It's freaking brilliant and super energy efficient. After all, it is an island and has to be self sustaining.

    • 2 years ago
  • SONiKSYSTEM
    • 0
      SONiKSYSTEM  
    • crashbangnoises:

      You beat me to it! I am of Bermudian decent (and I am stuck in Jersey) and I immediately though of home when I read this article. To all of those who doubt that this could be an effective measure to cut energy use, all they have to do is look 400 miles off of the coast of N. Carolina and see these means deployed and in action.

    • 2 years ago
  • redvelvet1278
    • 0
      redvelvet1278  

    • i love this idea! i think that this type of 'outside the box' thinking leads to little changes with a big impact. this is really cool but needs to be a localized initiative. each county would need to start impementing a program to kick this off. i suggest property tax cuts for those people willing to do this.

    • 2 years ago
  • MissAmanda
  • Ricky84
    • 0
      Ricky84  
    • Image

    • I like this idea because it’s cheap, cost effective and the science behind it is solid. It’s a good change from the standard unrealistic, woefully inadequate, utopian crap that seems to clog up any and all advancement toward a sensible climate change policy.

      Moreover I don’t think an all white city would be that displeasing to the eye anyways. The 1893 World’s fair consisted of over 200 white classically models buildings dubbed The White City. Not only did the fair draw 27 million in attendance (half the US population at the time) it also served as the inspiration for the Emerald City from the wizard of Oz and Walt Disney world.

      Besides in another ten or twenty years we are going to so immersed in the land of the internets that we could probably use all that blank space as a backdrop for whatever we’re looking at through our wireless internet sunglasses. Seriously how cool would that be? Instead of billboards, lawn signs or fliers we could use all that rent out all that clear space over the internet or personally customize the walls and or roofs to look like whatever the hell we wanted them too.

    • 2 years ago
  • bishopobispo
    • 0
      bishopobispo  

    • Perhaps this is why everything is silver in the future...

      But really,

      Although it may take the eyes sometime to adjust to the new scenery, painting surfaces white is a small thing to ask of us. Let's do it.

    • 2 years ago
  • KSc0
  • chmk
  • thecontinuum
    • 0
      thecontinuum  

    • Will the day come that we will all be walking around in white suits?

      "Hey Jake, I've gotta say, that suit your wearing seems a bit dark."
      "Yeah, I was cold this morning, so I figured I'd use all the energy everyone else is reflecting away to warm myself up."

      Wouldn't it be more beneficial to capture the heat energy for conversion to usable energy, instead of just reflecting it back into the atmosphere?

    • 2 years ago
  • chmk
  • GoodGodGuy
  • JanforGore
  • immortalovercr
  • JanforGore
    • 0
      JanforGore  
    • JanforGore:

      How clean what can be? TOXIC DIRTY COAL? What are you smoking? And please stop here with the political distinctions. There is nothing CLEAN about coal and that is a FACT. So the fact that this government would allow that dirty toxic fuel to continue to be burned while telling us to paint our roofs white to get them off the hook for not doing THEIR job is the height of hypocrisy.

    • 2 years ago
  • quixotic12
  • jazzyjackson
    • 0
      jazzyjackson  
    • JanforGore:

      There seems to be a lot of confusion over clean coal. I've never heard anyone say that coal burning is okay because its clean - tho maybe someone has. There is, however, people arguing that coal CAN be burnt clean through new processes and coal sequestration (storing carbon in underground facilities and selling the bi-products, one of which is hydrogen).

      Check out http://www.futuregenalliance.org/ - the DoE was going to build a clean coal energy plant in my hometown of Mattoon, IL - it was a very exciting project for the area, promising jobs, cheap electricity and urban developtment. It was scrapped (or more specifically, put on indefinite hold) because it went over its 1 billion dolar budget and because Pres Bush and the Texan DoE head of the time had a tizzy over the fact that the futuregen council didn't decide to build it in Texas.

      Anyway, it just irks me when people denounce clean coal as an empty promise - it's possible, but politics can get in the way more than anything else.

    • 2 years ago
  • retro_Syl
    • 0
      retro_Syl  

    • maybe moorish architecture will take over again...
      apparently, they were more proactively involved in environmental sustainability than we were the last few hundred years. foresight is valuable, even if they didn't realize their impact.

    • 2 years ago
  • johndeworde
  • twitterbot
  • KSc0
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