have been studying, through modelling and field experiments, the impacts of reflective roof coatings
on the urban environment, on occupants and on electricity networks. The improvements to the
chemistry of roof coatings over time (from the 1990s to the present) needs to be considered when
interpreting early field results based on white reflective paints, with current coatings representing
fourth generation technologies [4]. Extensive research utilizing simulation software and a smaller
number of field experiments has shown a range of positive impacts, including reductions in cooling
energy (kWh/day) and peak cooling demand (kW); reductions in roof surface and attic temperature;
reduction or elimination of air conditioning use in shoulder seasons; changes to air conditioner load
profiles; improvements in air conditioner operation efficiency and reduced strain on electricity supply
infrastructure [5–9]. This research encompasses residential buildings in a range of climatic and cultural
contexts, including hot climates [10–13]. Beyond the benefits to individual buildings, cool roofs (and
green roofs) have an important role to play in reducing the urban heat island [4].
Most, if not all, studies to date have evaluated field data and simulated data from the perspective of
the building owner, presenting arguments to entice building owners of the potential comfort, economic
and/or infrastructure and societal benefits of cool roofs. Indeed, the argument for the development of
Standards for Cool Roofs was based on the difficulties faced by building owners in assessing cool roof
impacts on lifetime heating and cooling costs [14]. Few residential field studies have been published
from regions with long cooling seasons and negligible heating seasons, and, to the authors’ knowledge,
the role of cool roof coatings in Demand Side Management programs (i.e., from the perspective of
electricity network providers) has not previously been studied.