There are an estimated 11 million tons of asphalt roofing waste going into landfills every year. Using cool coatings can greatly increase the life of existing roof materials and reduce the amount of torn-off roofing waste going into landfills. The roofing waste that remains can be recycled into road mixes using existing processes already operating. Reduced air pollution also can be attributed to using cool roofing materials. Because less cooling energy is used, fewer emissions are produced for energy generation.
Indirect reductions result if cool surfaces are used widely throughout an urban area.
Cooler surfaces transfer less heat to the air, keeping urban air temperatures lower. Lower urban temperatures again translate into less cooling energy and reduced energy generation emissions. Lower urban temperatures also reduce smog formation. The implementation of cool rooftop coatings has been slow for a variety of reasons, including technical confusion and market and aesthetic barriers. The visible properties of roof materials do not necessarily indicate how cool they stay or how much energy they save.