We've seen green roofs before, but now a roof coating made out of cooking oil can do much more than absorb solar power in the summer. According to Live Science, the special roof coating morphs the roof's optical properties to reflect the sun's rays on hot days and absorb rays on cold ones.
Basically, what you get is a roof that saves energy by making your home's heating and cooling systems more efficient.
As Ben Wen, vice president of United Environment & Energy, puts it, the new special roof coating "will help save fuel and electricity and reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds from petroleum-based roofing products. In addition, it will provide a new use for millions of gallons of waste oil after it is used to cook french fries and chicken nuggets."
Cooking Oil Roofs
Special Roof Coating Responds to Temperature and Saves Energy
Trend Themes
1. Green Roofs - The use of sustainable roof coatings like cooking oil can revolutionize traditional roof systems by reducing energy consumption and promoting environmental sustainability.
2. Optical Coatings - The development of roof coatings with adjustable optical properties can enhance energy efficiency by reflecting or absorbing solar radiation based on temperature variations.
3. Waste Recycling - Transforming waste oil from cooking into a valuable resource for roof coatings presents an opportunity for the waste management industry to contribute to sustainable building practices.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - The construction industry can incorporate sustainable roof coatings to improve energy efficiency in buildings and reduce environmental impact.
2. Energy - The energy industry can benefit from the adoption of energy-efficient roofing technologies, such as cooking oil-based coatings, to reduce overall energy demand.
3. Waste Management - The waste management sector has the potential to transform waste oil from cooking into a valuable raw material for manufacturing roof coatings, contributing to a circular economy.