International. A study by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (Australia) revealed that ceilings painted with a special reflective paint result in a 2°C reduction in indoor temperature, in spaces without air conditioning.
The specific white paint used in this research works by reflecting 88% of the sun's energy, resulting in a cooler roof and thus generating a better indoor temperature. This compares to a normal colored light ceiling that reflects less than 65% of the sun's energy, or a dark-colored ceiling that reflects less than 25% of the sun's energy.
"We saw average energy savings of between 5 and 30 percent across the full range of buildings, with most buildings showing savings in excess of 15 percent," said Professor John Bell, project leader at the university.
"By a two-classroom air conditioning block in Springfield west of Brisbane, for example, we have reduced electricity consumption by 1,144 kilowatt hours per year, which is roughly a ton of annual CO2 reduction for these two classrooms alone. Both electricity consumption and peak demand are significantly reduced, resulting in lower electricity bills for the school," the expert added.
