Procurement Australia News

Dark roofs burning holes in pockets

Written by Joel Mence | May 16, 2024 12:29:30 AM

Painting your buildings white and having a light-coloured roof could be the key to slashing your electricity bills, especially in the scorching Australian summers. While places like southern Greece and Tunisia are known for their white rooftops, Australia tends to lean towards darker shades, unknowingly exacerbating the heat

Dark colours absorb and retain heat, making homes, offices and all other buildings feel like an oven during summer. This means cranking up the air conditioning, resulting in higher electricity bills. In fact, households with darker roofs can pay up to $694 more annually for cooling compared to those with lighter-coloured roofs. 

But it is not just about individual homes. Dark-coloured roofs contribute to the urban heat island effect, where entire neighbourhoods become unbearably hot. With yearly temperatures predicted to rise, it is worthwhile considering cooler alternatives. 

Currently, South Australia is the only state or territory acting on the issue. Housing Minister Nick Champion announced dark roofs would be banned from a large new housing development in the north of Adelaide. So what solutions are available on the market to help consumers stay in line with the law and stay cool at the same time? 

Procurement Australia offers a solution through its tendered solution 2401/1029 Paint, Paint Accessories and Graffiti Removal Services contract. By choosing light-coloured paints from our trusted suppliers, members can not only enhance the aesthetics of their buildings but also contribute to significant energy savings. With a wide range of paint solutions and expert technical support, Procurement Australia ensures that members have access to quality products that help mitigate the heat while reducing electricity costs. 

It's time for a change in how we approach building aesthetics and energy efficiency. By opting for light-coloured paints, we can collectively work towards cooler, more sustainable cities, all while keeping our electricity bills in check. 

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-26/heat-trapping-dark-roof-cost-extra-electricity/103631672