A workshop focused on the adoption of cool roofs in Uttar Pradesh was conducted by GRIHA, in association with NDRC, on 17 January 2025 at Lemon Tree Hotel, Lucknow. The primary objective of the workshop was to identify market barriers and opportunities related to the adoption and implementation of cool roofs across the state.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including industry experts, academicians, real estate developers, manufacturers, architects, bureaucrats, and policy influencers, creating a comprehensive platform for discussion and collaboration.

The session opened with Dr. Vishal Garg’s presentation on “Why Cool Roofs?”, supported by strong data and analytics. He highlighted the urgent need for early and rapid adoption of cool roof solutions to heat-proof India’s rapidly expanding metro cities. Drawing from his extensive experience in cooling technologies, he emphasised the importance of policy-level nudges to accelerate adoption.

Mr. Gerry George from NDRC underlined the need to scale cool roofs through awareness-building and government-led initiatives, while Mr. Akash Deep from the GRIHA Council presented well-documented case studies showcasing successful cool roof implementations in India and internationally.

Dr. Ritu Gulati, Professor, Faculty of Architecture at AKTU Lucknow, demonstrated the effectiveness of cool roofs in combating extreme heat. She also addressed the initial cost barrier, particularly for economically weaker sections, stressing that cooling should not be an elitist privilege. She suggested supplementary low-cost alternatives such as lime plaster and traditional roofing methods to improve accessibility.

A significant portion of the workshop focused on the challenges hindering cool roof adoption, which included:

• Lack of awareness, with many consumers unable to distinguish high-SRI technical coatings from ordinary white paint

• High upfront costs, discouraging investment in roof-level interventions

• Limited government support, with policies like the Telangana Cool Roof Policy yet to be replicated nationwide

• Lack of standardisation, as substandard products with unverified SRI claims erode industry credibility

• High taxation on cool roof products, impacting affordability

While these concerns were raised by planners, architects, and academicians, manufacturers and market participants were invited to propose actionable solutions.

LuminX presented a focused three-point strategy to address these barriers.

On awareness, LuminX emphasised outreach through digital platforms, advertising, and on-ground campaigns, placing trust in consumers’ ability to make informed choices once equipped with the right information.

Regarding high initial costs, LuminX highlighted that economies of scale and energy savings can significantly offset upfront investment. By reducing air-conditioning loads, cool roofs lower electricity bills, enabling cost recovery within 3–4 years. In comparison, traditional solutions like thatched roofs or lime plaster, while seemingly economical initially, often result in higher lifecycle costs due to frequent maintenance and reapplication.

On standardisation, LuminX reaffirmed its commitment to quality. Its products undergo rigorous laboratory testing and are certified by reputed national and international organisations. Backed by verified high SRI values, LuminX further reinforces confidence by offering a 3-year post-application warranty.

Cool roofs represent a powerful arsenal against climate change, and despite existing challenges, the sector is poised for strong growth. As one of the most cost-effective, scalable, and carbon-neutral solutions, cool roof technology is set to play a critical role in India’s sustainable built environment journey.