BE-1.1SA-4Prioritize cool roofs when feasible in energy efficiency building code update.

[NOTE: This action also appears in Measure 2 - Decarbonize New Building Devlopment]

Cool roofs are designed with materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to standard roofing materials, significantly reducing building cooling needs and enhancing energy efficiency. By maintaining lower surface temperatures, cool roofs contribute to mitigating the urban heat island effect, where urban areas experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings due to human activities and dense concentrations of heat-absorbing surfaces. This reduction in ambient temperatures not only decreases the demand for air conditioning in buildings, thus lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, but also improves outdoor air quality and urban residents' comfort levels. This initiative not only contributes to our broader climate change mitigation efforts but also improves air quality and the comfort of our residents, marking a key step forward in our journey towards a sustainable and resilient San Diego.

The City of San Diego has begun to incorporate cool roof standards into its building codes. The 2025 Building Code Update includes proposed enhanced cool roof requirements for non-residential buildings (see the  Fact Sheet). This supports  Climate Resilient SD and helps reach energy efficiency goals.

Learn more about cool roofs here:

• The Department of Energy's  Cool Roofs website talks about the benefits and different types of roofing products.
• The California Air Resources Board has a  Cool Roofs: Codes and Standards webpage with information on state building codes and tips for finding contractors and comparing products.