| Rohm and Haas Cool Block Project Uses Cool Roof Technology
to Illustrate Company's Commitment to Sustainable Development
Roof Coating Helps Sustain Environment By Lowering Energy Usage
And Extending Roof Life
Philadelphia, PA - Philadelphia-based
Rohm and Haas has put one of its corporate objectives – the commitment
to supporting sustainable development – into action by sponsoring a
Cool Block project in the Bridesburg section of the
city, one of its oldest neighbor communities. The project entails coating
many of the residential roofs in the 4400 block of Edgemont Street with
the Company’s
cool roof technology, a white, acrylic-based reflective
coating designed to reduce the amount of heat absorbed by asphalt roofs
during the summer months. The main purpose of the initiative is to reduce
the heat in a neighborhood densely populated by senior citizens, one
of the populations most adversely affected by high temperatures.
The use of elastomeric coatings contributes to sustaining the environment by lowering energy usage and reducing the amount
of old roof materials going to landfills. William A. Kim, technical service manager, explains “Nearly 17 percent of all
electricity consumed in the U.S. is used to cool buildings. Coating black roofs white can help reduce that number by increasing
energy efficiency.” Studies show that buildings with the white coating consumed nearly 22 percent less energy for air conditioning
in the summer than one with an uncoated black roof. Additionally, the coating also reduced energy demand by 4 percent in the winter.
The EPA awards its Energy Star to white and reflective roofing materials, recognizing their value in promoting energy efficiency and
conservation.
White roof coatings also contribute to a healthy environment by extending the lifespan of black roofs. “Six percent of waste material
dumped in landfills consists of old roofs,” notes Kim. “White coatings help roofs last longer by reducing the dramatic changes in
temperature that cause roof wear and tear, and that benefits our environment by reducing the size of our landfills.”
Rohm and Haas is funding the Cool Block Project through a grant provided to the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) and in conjunction
with its Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Community Partnership Subcommittee. The initiative provides Rohm and Haas with the
opportunity to offer one of its own products to positively impact the residents of one of the company’s operating communities.
In the tradition of working in harmony with the broader community, the Rohm and Haas Responsible Neighbor program functions
to advance the economic, social and environmental quality of life in the communities where they operate and where their
employees live through company giving, employee volunteerism and other outreach activities, and community dialogue.
Rohm and Haas Company (NYSE: ROH) is a Philadelphia-based specialty materials business that makes products for the
personal care, grocery, home and construction markets, and the electronics industry. The company expects annual sales
in excess of $8 billion in 2005, and has significant operations in 27 countries. Additional information about Rohm and
Haas can be found at www.rohmhaas.com.
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