Pacific Southwest Research Station

Pacific Southwest Research Station
800 Buchanan Street
West Annex Building
Albany, CA 94710-0011

(510) 559-6300

Urban Ecosystems and Social Dynamics

Urban Ecosystems and Processes

Impact of Roof Materials on Residential Cooling Loads in Tucson, AZ

Summary

Measurements of the actual cooling load and roof temperature reductions resulting from increased roof albedo (use of lighter-colored roof materials), both with and without ceiling insulation, using model houses in Tucson, Arizona.

Years of Research:  1990-1994

Funded by:  Tucson Electric Power Company, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona-Department of Soil and Water Science

Cooperators:  Tucson Electric Power Company, Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station, University of Arizona-Department of Soil and Water Science

Products / Publications:

1. Simpson, J.R. and E.G. McPherson. 1997. The effects of roof albedo modification on cooling loads of scale model residences in Tucson, Arizona. Energy and Buildings. 25(2) :127-137 - View Document [1.02 MB]

2. Xiao Q., and E.G. McPherson. 2003. Rainfall interception by Santa Monica's municipal urban forest. Urban Ecosystems - View Document [131.6 KB]