Smart supports white roof movement

MANILA, Philippines - Leading wireless services provider Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has backed a novel idea of painting household roofs white to combat climate change.

The student project called Painting Roofs White for a Greener Tomorrow: A Response to Climate Change is the winning proposal in the Youth Climate Project initiated by Silliman University with the involvement of University of San Carlos (Cebu), Central Philippine University (Iloilo), Smart and the World Bank.

The Youth Climate Change Project’s goal is to come up with household solutions to climate change that can be shared to the other sectors and replicated in other areas.

“This student project is something that we can do in our own homes. We are very happy to be part of this experiment which, if proven effective, can really make a big impact among communities,” said Atty. Jane Paredes, Smart VisMin Public Affairs Senior Manager.

The proponents have pilot tested the project by painting the roofs of houses in Brgy. Luz, said to be the most environment-friendly barangay in the whole of Cebu. The test houses in this area will be closely monitored to determine results and measure the effectiveness in terms of keeping temperature low, and saving costs on electricity used for cooling and air conditioning.

In a statement, project proponent Kimberly Lucero of the University of San Carlos said, “White roofs on residences and commercial buildings can offer big benefits with regards to cooling, energy costs, and air quality. Painting the roof white improves occupant comfort, cuts maintenance costs, increases the life cycle of the roof, and reduces urban heat islands along with associated smog. It is, without a doubt, a sustainable and cost-effective strategy against global warming.”

“The offset provided by the combined cooling of roofs may provide a significant delay in global warming during which we can take further measures to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, thereby mitigating climate change,” she added.

The exclusive paint supplier for the project is NVIRO paint which is 100% locally-manufactured and earth-friendly, non-toxic and solvent-free. The project is also fully supported by the City Government of Cebu through the office of Councilor Nida Cabrera. Through this program, the project proponents and supporters aim to educate the public on the benefits of white roofs and its great potential to mitigate climate change.

“If proven successful, we hope the “white roof movement” catches on across the country,” said Atty. Paredes.