Cool Roofs project announced as finalist in climate awards

A project by a local government sustainability education team in Perth’s south east has been recognised nationally, after being selected as a finalist in the 2019 Cities Power Partnership Awards.

The Switch your thinking study by the Cities of Gosnells and Armadale and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale used temperature monitoring and infrared imaging to show how roof colour affected house temperature.

It found a significant difference in temperature between dark and light coloured roofs which also impacted on the inside temperature of the home. 

The Cool Roofs project was selected from a competitive field of entries for the Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements by local governments in the fields of renewable energy, sustainable transport, energy efficiency, community engagement and climate advocacy. 

Switch your thinking Chairperson Ruth Butterfield (Deputy Mayor of City of Armadale) said the project has wide community significance.

“The findings could lead to greater collaboration between urban planners and the building industry, as well as policy change to future-proof communities against climate change,” she said. 

“To be recognised nationally is not only a great result for those involved, but also for the public who could benefit from its findings.”            

The Cities Power Partnership Director David Craven has congratulated Switch your thinking for its achievement.

“Local champions such as the Cities of Gosnells and Armadale and Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale are stepping up to the climate challenge,” he said.

The overall winners of the Awards will be announced on Thursday 29 August in Sydney.  

For more details about the Cool Roofs project and other Switch your thinking initiatives, please visit www.switchyourthinking.com.au