The CRRC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 1998 to develop accurate and credible methods for evaluating and labeling the radiative properties of roofing products and to disseminate the information to all interested parties. In 2019, the CRRC expanded to include the rating of exterior wall products.

Mission and vision 

The CRRC’s Mission is to bring objective, scientific information related to cool surfaces to critical discussions and informed decisions about the impacts of heat islands, extreme heat, and energy use in the built environment. 

The CRRC’s Vision is that CRRC data and resources on the impacts of cool surfaces enhance individual and community resilience to extreme heat. 

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Meet the Cool Roof Rating Council

Check out a short interview with Sarah Schneider, the deputy director of CRRC, and Beth James-Bourgeois, CRRC's program manager, from IRE 2024!

Rated Roof Products Directory 

The CRRC Rated Roof Products Directory is a free, online database that can be used to identify roofing products that comply with various building codes, financial incentives, and voluntary green building programs (e.g., LEED, Green Globes). 

Each of the products on the CRRC Directory has a CRRC product rating that indicates the radiative performance (solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)) of the roofing product. 

Knowing the radiative performance of roofing products is important for understanding the roof’s impact on building energy use, occupant comfort and the surrounding environment. 

The CRRC Directory currently lists over 3,000 roofing products and is the only database of its kind in the U.S. since the sunset of the US EPA ENERGY STAR program for roofing products in June 2022.

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What is a cool roof?

A cool roof is one that strongly reflects sunlight (solar energy) and also cools itself by efficiently emitting any heat that was absorbed. The roof literally stays cooler and reduces the amount of heat conducted into the building below. If a building does not have air conditioning, this keeps the building cooler and a more constant temperature. 

If a building has air conditioning, the equipment does not have to work as hard. Imagine wearing a white or a black T-shirt on a hot day. By wearing the white T-shirt you will remain cooler than if you wore a black T-shirt because it reflects more sunlight and absorbs less heat. Cool roofs, like a white T-shirt, keep the internal temperature of the building lower. 

However, a cool roof does not need to be white. There are many "cool color" products which use darker-colored pigments that are highly reflective in the near infrared (non-visible) portion of the solar spectrum.

Become a member!

CRRC membership is open to any individual or organization with an interest in the building envelope, energy efficiency, urban cooling, and/or the testing and rating of solar-reflective building surfaces. CRRC membership is divided into two classes.

Why join?

• To have a voice in the direction of the CRRC
• To demonstrate your organization's leadership in the market
• To vote on critical issues
• To interface with other industry leaders and actors interested in the building envelope, energy efficiency, urban cooling, and surface reflectivity
• To elect Board members
• To serve on the CRRC Board of Directors
• To serve on a CRRC committees

CRRC Annual Meeting 

The Annual meeting is a yearly tradition where CRRC members and other stakeholders come together to hear about the latest industry research and CRRC activities; provide input on direction and cast votes for the Board of Directors; and socialize with fellow members and staff. The meeting is open to both members and non-members. 

The Annual Meeting also consists of a series of guest speaker presentations. The purpose of guest speaker presentations is to provide CRRC members and non-members with timely, accurate, and valuable information relevant to reflective building materials, with all viewpoints on cool roofs and cool exterior walls accepted. Technical information is supported by scientifically rigorous studies and presentations do not serve as a platform for advertising or promoting certain products or services. 

The next CRRC Annual Meeting will be announced soon. Stay tuned for details on the meeting location, sponsorship opportunities, and guest speakers!  

IRE 2023

eBooks

Understanding cool roofs

A cool roof is a roof that reflects more solar energy away from its surface and more efficiently radiates absorbed heat away from the building than other roofs. This helps air-conditioned buildings use less energy. You may want to install a cool roof to reduce building energy use, lower utility bills, ...
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Energy Star Roof Program Alternative

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Harnessing the Mutual Benefits of Cool Roofs and Rooftop PV

Cool roofs and rooftop (rooftop solar photovoltaics) are two strategies that home and building owners can use to cut energy costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. This document identifies how these strategies can be used together to enhance the benefits of both. Download the pamphlet today!
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Latest Podcasts

The Benefits of Cool Roofs

Here at AskARoofer, we already think roofs are cool, but the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) takes cool to a whole new level! In this episode of the AskARoofer podcast, Lauren and Megan sit down with the ladies of the CRRC to discuss how important it is for your roof ...
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Erick Sharp - Advancing Innovation in Pavement Materials

In this Roofing Road Trips® episode, Megan Ellsworth sits down with Erick Sharp to discuss ACE Laboratories' pivotal role in supporting the CRRC's expanding mission, focusing on cutting-edge testing and innovations in roofing and paving materials. With recent advancements like the tripling of ACE's equipment capacity for CRRC testing and ...
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Erick Sharp - ACE Laboratories Tests Triumphs in Roofing

S6:E41 On this episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Megan Ellsworth road trips over to ACE Laboratories to chat with CEO, Erick Sharp. They unravel the unique narrative of ACE Laboratories, the number-one rubber testing laboratory and distinguished force in the roofing industry. The two break down ACE’S sustainability efforts and their ...
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Latest Webinars

Cool Roof Rating Council and Bliss Roofing

Who doesn’t need a coffee break? Join RoofersCoffeeShop for a coffee break every third Tuesday of the month at 10 am PT. In the October 2024 Coffee Break, we are joined by Audrey McGarrell, project manager at the Cool Roof Rating Council. Be sure to tune in to learn about ...
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Keeping it Cool- Using Cool Roofs to Combat Heat Islands and Save Energy

An NWiR webinar presented by Audrey McGarrell and Sarah Schneider
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Latest Videos

Episode 66 - Discover the Coffee Shop Media, Sign Up for R-Club, Johns Manville Hiring

Join Heidi and Karen every Friday for The Weekly Blend to learn the latest news in the roofing industry. Episode 66 of The Weekly Blend is here! Join the Coffee Shops’ President Heidi J. Ellsworth and COO Karen L. Edwards for this newest episode of the Coffee Shop original web series. This ...
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Episode 35 - Amazing Associations, A Slew of Exciting Upcoming Events and the CoffeeShop's Growth!

Join Heidi and Karen every Friday to hear what they have to say about all the happenings within the roofing industry. The 35th episode of our Weekly Blend series is here! Join President Heidi J. Ellsworth and COO Karen L. Edwards for another exciting installment of this RoofersCoffeeShop® (RCS) original ...
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