NYC °CoolRoofs, an initiative of NYC Service and the NYC Department of Buildings, encourages building owners to cool their rooftops with a white reflective coating that reduces energy consumption, cooling costs and carbon emissions. Utilizing the power of volunteers, NYC °CoolRoofs aims to coat 1 million square feet of rooftop each season. The program supports New York City’s goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030.

A cool roof has a highly reflective surface, typically white, and releases heat quickly. Roofs are often coated with either a paint-like coating which is rolled or sprayed onto flat roofs, or covered with a white rooftop membrane. Both materials are durable and easily installed without disruption to daily operations.

Since NYC °CoolRoofs’ launch in 2010, the program has coated 3.6 million square feet of rooftop across over 400 buildings and has engaged over 4,000 volunteers. NYC °CoolRoofs promotes building owners to cool their own roofs.