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India's First Cool Roof Policy: A Game-Changer in the Fight Against Heat Stress
Telangana is set to become the first state in India to introduce a Cool Roof Policy, aimed at mitigating the impact of urban heat islands and heat stress. The policy, which will be launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister KT Rama Rao, will promote the use of cool roofs that reflect more sunlight than traditional roofs, absorbing less solar energy and reducing the temperature of buildings. The Telangana Cool Roof Policy 2023-28 aims to make the state more thermally comfortable and heat-resilient. It seeks to promote the adoption of cool roofs, create a supportive ecosystem of suppliers, trained manpower, and testing materials, and ensure that cool surfaces are accessible to everyone. The policy will also establish a system for monitoring and evaluating cool roof installations. By reducing CO2 emissions, the policy is expected to offset 30 million tCO2, and by keeping indoor temperatures 2.13 to 4.3 degrees Celsius lower than traditional roofs, it will result in cooler homes. Additionally, cool roofs require minimal maintenance and can save up to 20% in energy costs. The Telangana Cool Roof Policy is a step forward in addressing the challenges of urban heat islands and heat stress. It sets a precedent for other states in India to follow and highlights the importance of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices. By promoting cool roofs, Telangana is taking a significant step towards creating a more sustainable and comfortable environment for its residents.
