Buildings account for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions. This generally puts the responsibility to reduce their environmental impact directly on the construction industry, which is bound by green building codes and performance standards. This is all well and good but doesn’t take into consideration buildings already erected whose older construction models are often far less energy efficient and thus contribute in a larger way to energy costs and emissions.
In a world increasingly driven by sustainability, corporate responsibility expands beyond the basics of regulatory compliance. Building owners and facilities managers face the pressing challenges of addressing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption while maintaining resilience and financial performance.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), commercial buildings in the U.S. consumed nearly 18% of all energy produced in 2022.
HVAC systems are responsible for approximately 35% to 40% of it. Energy intensity increases in warmer climate zones, where buildings are more likely to cool more significant portions of the floor space. Buildings with poor insulation are also at risk for soaring energy use.
Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used by these systems generates approximately 0.92 pounds of CO2, according to the EPA Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator. For an office building consuming 100,000 kWh annually for HVAC, that translates into 46 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year—just from climate control.
Reducing energy consumption isn’t just a matter of environmental responsibility; it’s a financial necessity. Energy costs have risen sharply in recent years, and many stakeholders in commercial and industrial buildings demand that companies engage in sustainable initiatives to minimize their carbon footprints.
Roofs in industrial and commercial buildings are a major source of energy loss and inefficiencies. Depending on substrate material, age, orientation of the building, and color, roofs can reach surface temperatures well over 150°F (66°C) in direct sunlight, driving up temperatures within the building and forcing strains in HVAC systems.
A reflective "cool roof" can reduce the temperature of the roof surface by up to 50°F (27°C), which helps reduce the cooling load. According to studies from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, reflective roof coatings can lead to energy savings of 10% to 20% in air conditioning costs for buildings in warm climates.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that treating roofs and mitigating inefficiencies, in combination with other energy-saving measures, could reduce the cooling energy demand of commercial buildings by as much as 30%. For a 50,000-square-foot commercial building, this could mean reducing energy consumption by tens of thousands of kilowatt-hours annually. Using the EPA calculator, this translates into saving up to 32 metric tons of CO2 per year—equivalent to the emissions from seven-passenger vehicles driven for one year.
Building owners and facilities managers are also reaping financial savings from reducing HVAC loads. Mitigating the temperatures from the roof down can decrease HVAC energy costs significantly, particularly during peak cooling periods. For example, a large retail facility with 100,000 square feet of roof space could see energy cost savings of tens of thousands of dollars annually through the reduced need for cooling.
In addition to direct energy savings, some coatings help extend the lifespan of the roof itself. Reflective coatings reduce thermal expansion and contraction, lowering the damage risk and reducing the repair frequency. This can extend the lifespan of a roof by several years, avoiding the significant expense of premature replacement.
One of the barriers many companies face in adopting greener technologies is the “green premium”—the extra cost associated with sustainable solutions. However, improving existing assets, such as roofs, offers a cost-effective alternative and provides a means of lowering Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased electricity). Many businesses now report their Scope 2 emissions in annual sustainability reports, and the ability to show year-over-year reductions in energy consumption can be a powerful tool in demonstrating corporate responsibility.
In a study done by NanoTech Materials Inc. using Cool Roof Coat, the company was able to significantly improve the thermal efficiency of a 180,000-square-foot retail facility owned by a Fortune 500 big box store.
The retail facility, a single-story building with a trapezoidal metal roof, faced severe thermal management issues. Baseline scans indicated the uncoated roof reached temperatures of 149°F, with internal ceiling temperatures at 112.28°F (44.6°C), even when the ambient outside temperature was 90°F. Such conditions forced the HVAC system to work continuously to lower the temperature to a comfortable 70°F, leading to high energy consumption, operational costs, and strain on equipment.
The HVAC system was also the most significant contributor to the facility’s scope 2 carbon footprint. With the parent company committed to an aggressive Net Zero strategy, regional facility managers were under immense pressure to reduce energy use.
NanoTech Materials’ Cool Roof Coat was selected to address these thermal challenges with its Insulative Ceramic Particle (ICP) technology, designed to control heat when integrated into building materials. The coating prevents heat transfer through the roof by creating a physical barrier against solar radiation. It reflects visible sunlight, emits UV and infrared radiation, and improves heat resistance, lowering indoor temperatures by 25-45°F and reducing carbon emissions. Energy savings range from 20% to 50%, compared to the 15% typically achieved by standard reflective coatings.
Post-application scans of the facility showed a dramatic reduction in temperatures. The internal ceiling temperature dropped to 73°F from 112°F. This led to a 49% reduction in the cooling component of HVAC use, lowering energy consumption and extending the lifespan of HVAC equipment. The reduced HVAC load also decreased electricity bills, providing a quick return on investment.
By significantly lowering energy consumption, the store minimized its carbon footprint, aligning with its sustainability goals.
The introduction of cutting-edge technologies is a game-changer for the commercial building industry. By adopting advanced cool roof solutions, contractors can offer standout projects that align with the booming demand for energy efficiency and sustainability. These cutting-edge solutions do more than help clients meet strict energy regulations—they slash HVAC energy use, cut CO2 emissions, and turn roofs from financial drains into powerful savings generators. Companies not only reduce their environmental impact but also sidestep the soaring costs of green premiums.
Think of rooftops as an untapped resource: by leveraging them smartly, businesses can unlock long-term savings and position themselves as sustainability leaders. With global building emissions on the rise, taking action is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity. Change begins at the top.
Carrie Horazeck is the Chief Commercial Officer at NanoTech Inc.. Carrie is a highly skilled portfolio strategist, public speaker, and client relationship, developer with expertise in market research, portfolio strategy, consumer insights, business development, and brand positioning. Carrie has extensive experience leading cross-functional teams across a variety of industries.
