roofs
Reflective roofs combat extreme heat in Sierra Leone
Reflective panels installed on homes in Freetown, Sierra Leone, are helping residents cope with extreme heat by reducing indoor temperatures by over 6°C.
In short:
- Reflective roofs in Kroo Bay, Freetown, are mitigating extreme heat, making homes more livable.
- Panels made from recycled materials reduce indoor temperatures and are more durable than traditional paints.
- MEER’s project in Sierra Leone aims to expand to India to tackle similar heat challenges.
Key quote:
“People are effectively baking inside their own homes.”
— Peter Dynes, managing director of MEER
Why this matters:
Extreme heat increases health risks and reduces quality of life, especially in densely populated informal settlements. Innovative cooling solutions like reflective roofs can significantly improve living conditions in vulnerable regions.
Beyond AC: 7 ways architects are redesigning buildings for extreme heat
Paris could hit 50 degrees by 2050, new report warns. How can the city adapt?
The French capital is known for its iconic architecture - but its beloved wide boulevards and zinc-top roofs act as a ‘heat sink’ in extreme weather.
California reduces subsidies for homes with rooftop solar
California regulators propose cutting compensation for rooftop solar
Interested in solar panels? Here is some advice
Amid soaring demand for warehouses, an effort to make them greener
Some warehouse owners are taking steps to make their buildings more energy efficient, including upgrading building materials and turning the rooftops into solar farms.