Cool Roofs Retrofit Taskforce for London Proposed

A COOL ROOF RETROFIT TASKFORCE has been proposed as part of a review commissioned by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan into London’s preparedness to deal with the climate emergency.

The speed and severity of climate change and its resulting impacts in London are increasing at an unprecedented rate.

The London Climate Resilience Review is exploring how London can adapt and prepare for climate change. It aims to future-proof the capital against major climate risks including wildfires, flooding and extreme heat.

As part of the Review, which aims to finish by the end of 2023, a report by built environment consultants Arup was commissioned by the London Mayor.

The Roofs Designed to Cool report shows how retrofitting London’s roofs with reflective coatings and solar photovoltaic (PV) panels will cool buildings.

The report sets out how a ‘Cool Roofs Retrofit Programme’ for London could lead to a greener and cooler city and contribute to reducing health, economic, and social inequalities.

Cool roofs can reduce overheating and energy use, as well as reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect of built up areas, such as London.

The report also points to other benefits of a cool roof retrofit programme, such as providing opportunities to develop skills and job opportunities in retrofit. It could enable new engineering apprenticeships and skills development, especially for young Londoners. It could be supported through existing schemes, such as Skills Bootcamp for Londoners and Green Hubs.

Skills Shortage Challenge

However, the availability of skilled professionals has been identified as one of the biggest challenges to the delivery of energy-efficiency retrofit projects.

The report recommends a strategy should consider the roles of training providers, accreditation, and trade bodies. It says a robust and compelling strategy will be essential for engaging, recruiting, and training a skilled supply chain.

Opportunity Maps

The report also proposes prioritising cool roofs in the ‘riskiest’ or priority areas, where there is the greatest heat exposure and vulnerability to heat stress.

It presents opportunity maps to show where cool roofs should be installed. Using typical types of homes and commercial buildings, the report assesses the suitability of adapting roof coverings.

In its recommendations section, the Cool Roof report suggests pilot schemes should be launched in selected London boroughs, partnering with suppliers and contractors, looking at funding schemes and integrating with existing retrofit projects.

Sadiq Khan, London Mayor

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am committed to ensuring that London adapts effectively to the climate risks it faces using every mechanism at our disposal.

“This important review will gain independent insight into what more needs to be done to make London a climate resilient city … to make London a better, greener and safer city for all.”

The Review’s conclusions are to be submitted to the mayor and will feed into London’s preparation for the impacts of climate change.

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