Thermal performance assessment of cool roofs on supermarkets through case analysis in 13 cities

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the use of cool roof technology to avoid unnecessary energy consumption in supermarkets. This will allow to reduce and even cancel the heat absorbed by the roofs, transferring it to the buildings and thus, creating more sustainable cities.

Design/methodology/approach

Thirteen real supermarkets with cool roofs were analysed in Australia, Canada, the USA and Spain. An analysis of so many supermarkets located in different parts of the world with different climatic zones has allowed an inductive analysis, obtaining real data of energy consumption associated with the air conditioning installations for a year with and without implementing the cool roof technology.

Findings

The paper provides insights on how the use of cool roof managed to reduce the need for energy for heating, ventilating and air conditioning by between 3.5 and 38%. Additionally, this technology reduces the annual generation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per square meter of supermarket up to 2.7 kgCO₂/m². It could be an economical technology to apply in new and old buildings with a period of average economic recovery of four years.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may be generalisable. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to test proposals in construction with other uses.

Practical implications

The paper includes economic and environmental implications for the development of cool roof technology and smooths the way for its implementation to increase energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

Originality/value

This paper is an innovative contribution to the application of cool roof technology as a source of energy savings in commercial construction through the analysis of supermarkets located in different countries with different climate zones. This will help other researchers to advance in this field and facilitate the implementation of the technology.

Citation

Ríos-Fernández, J.C. (2022), "Thermal performance assessment of cool roofs on supermarkets through case analysis in 13 cities", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 29 No. 2, pp. 739-754. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-11-2020-0919