As India faces increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves, experts say a simple and affordable solution cool roofs remains largely underutilised, especially among low income urban households.
Cool roofs use reflective coatings that reduce the amount of heat absorbed by rooftops, helping lower indoor temperatures by 2-3 degrees Celsius. In cities where concrete roofs trap heat throughout the day and release it slowly at night, these coatings can make homes significantly more comfortable while reducing dependence on fans and air conditioners.
Despite their proven benefits, adoption remains limited. According to experts, the challenge is not merely a lack of awareness but a combination of financial, social and behavioural barriers that prevent households from investing in the technology.
The cost of basic cool roof coatings ranges between Rs 20 and Rs 50 per square foot, making them relatively affordable compared to many other cooling solutions. However, for families managing tight budgets, even modest upfront expenses can compete with daily necessities. The need for periodic reapplication further discourages investment.
A major obstacle is the landlord tenant divide. Tenants often experience the worst effects of heat but have little incentive to pay for roof improvements on properties they do not own. Meanwhile, landlords may not see an immediate financial return from installing reflective coatings.
Timing also plays an important role. Roof repairs are typically planned after the monsoon season, when summer heat is no longer a pressing concern. By the time temperatures begin to rise again, the opportunity for preventive action has often passed.
Experts also point to issues in product marketing and consumer decision making. In many neighbourhood paint shops, customers seeking affordable solutions to beat the heat are frequently directed toward conventional products rather than cool roof coatings. As a result, many potential users never seriously consider the option.
Communication around cool roofs can also be ineffective. Promotional messages often focus on technical claims such as temperature reductions or energy savings. While accurate, these benefits may feel too abstract for households that need clear, locally relevant examples before making a purchase decision.
India has already begun recognising the value of passive cooling strategies. Telangana introduced the country’s first state-wide cool roof policy in 2023, while initiatives under the India Cooling Action Plan and various state programmes have promoted the technology. Cities such as Ahmedabad and Hyderabad have also piloted cool roof projects, demonstrating their potential to improve thermal comfort and reduce energy consumption.
Researchers and policymakers argue that wider adoption will require more than technology alone. Better access to products, targeted subsidies, retailer training and stronger public awareness campaigns are all needed to make cool roofs a practical choice for millions of households.
As extreme heat becomes an increasingly serious public health challenge, experts believe cool roofs offer one of the most cost effective ways to improve urban resilience. The challenge now is ensuring that this simple solution reaches the people who need it most.