Paint roofs of houses and buildings white. This idea, already practiced in Mediterranean countries, for example, is the subject of amendments examined within the framework of the renewable energy bill – whose examination began on Monday in the National Assembly -, as reported the parisian.
These proposals should be examined next week, confirms Julien Bayou to BFMTV.com. The initiative aims to “return a large part of the sun’s rays back to the atmosphere, with a reflective layer like white paint”, can be read in the amendments dedicated to it. “It is a scientifically proven phenomenon, the so-called albedo effect.”
“Simple and effective solution”
Thus, “the roof remains at room temperature, which limits overheating during the summer period and a fortiori during heat waves (up to 7 degrees difference). This also has the effect of reducing the use of air conditioning. In summary, Julien Bayou highlights a “simple and effective solution for energy sobriety and adaptation to climate change”.
“In the face of repeated heat waves, this urban shift is an important lever to reduce urban heat islands, limit greenhouse gas emissions and reduce France’s energy consumption,” he explains.
The installation of these reflective coatings could be the subject of a “zero-rate eco-loan”, it is specified. Julien Bayou also wants the French to repaint the roof of their car white to reduce fuel consumption. These amendments were initially rejected in committee. However, the Minister for Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher is not opposed.
“We are not in the Cyclades”
“It is an interesting proposal that the minister wants to study,” explains his cabinet to the Parisian. And to add: “However, the implementation methods for the measure to be operational are not obvious: the painting must not replace the installation of photovoltaic panels and the measure must not be a source of litigation, which would slow down the deployment of the panels. “
still in the columns Parisian, the Renaissance deputy Guillaume Kasbarian, is skeptical. “We are not in the Cyclades, in Greece”, criticizes the one who is also president of the Economic Affairs Commission.
“For individuals and residential it is voluntary”
He continues: “Our country is rich in its exceptional heritage. Go explain to the Normans that we are going to paint the thatched roofs white! Or to those with slate roofs, etc. This idea is inapplicable. Not to say that would require enormous amounts of paint and therefore chemicals…”
The next few days “will give Guillaume Kasbarian time to read my amendments, something he obviously hasn’t done,” the Paris deputy told BFMTV.com. And to develop: “My plan concerns, at this stage, only schools or warehouses and commercial surfaces. For individuals and residential, it is voluntary,” specifies the deputy.
Source: BFM TV
