Local Initiatives

Many communities and local governments have taken steps to develop cool roof programs by launching demonstration projects, installing cool roofs on public buildings and including cool roofs in local building requirements and/or policies.

Click the links below to explore many of the voluntary programs and local initiatives that actively promote cool roofs in California

• Berkeley Climate Action Plan The City of Berkeley is pursuing a requirement to install cool roofs on commercial buildings for new construction or re-roofing projects as part of the city’s promotion of energy efficiency in their climate action plan.
• Martinez Climate Action PlanThe City of Martinez is mitigating their urban heat island by promoting cool community strategies – cool roofs, cool pavements and urban vegetation – in their climate action plan. The city is planning to adopt new building codes along with new parking and landscape regulations to implement the cool community strategies.
• Menlo Park Climate Change Action PlanMenlo Park’s Climate Action Plan proposes the use of reflective and energy star roofing materials in some city buildings. Menlo Park is also looking to begin an energy efficiency and renewable energy financing program, which would bring low interest loans to fund projects like cool roofs.
• San Diego Climate Protection Action PlanThe City of San Diego’s Climate Action Prevention Plan seeks to adopt a heat island mitigation policy for the city. The policy would include utilizing alternative cool materials for roofs and pavement to reduce the heat island effect.
• San Jose's Green VisionSan Jose’s Green Vision integrates cool roofs as a part of efforts in energy efficiency. San Jose is also partnering with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to be the first pilot Cool City.
• Windsor (Town) Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action PlanPart of the Town of Windsor’s Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Action Plan aims to put cool roofs on several public buildings. Windsor also has green building standards, which include cool roof measures.
• Contra Costa County Municipal Climate Action PlanContra Costa County’s Municipal Climate Action Plan creates a standard for cool roofs in new county buildings and remodels. The county is also looking to upgrade county buildings with cool roofs.
• Marin County Greenhouse Gas Reduction PlanAs a part of the Cities for Climate Protection campaign, Marin County includes installation of reflective roofing as a part of their Greenhouse Gas Reduction Plan.
• Sonoma County Community Climate Action PlanThe Sonoma County Community Climate Action Plan outlines a plan to integrate cool roofs onto county buildings.
• Union City Climate Action PlanUnion City plans in their Climate Action Plan to promote the use of cool roof technology.