Last updated on February 14th, 2022 at 03:49 pm

As part of an aggressive action plan designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050, The City of Toronto’s Environment and Energy Division has established The Eco-Roof Incentive Program.

Under the Eco-Roof Incentive Program, Toronto property owners that upgrade their current roof, or build a new roof using cool roofing materials are eligible for a grant of up to $50 000. Existing and new residential, industrial, commercial, and institutional buildings are eligible, and if approved, will receive $2-5 / square metre up to a maximum of $50 000.

What is A Cool Roof?

A cool roof is a roof that strongly reflects the sun’s UV rays and also cools itself by efficiently emitting radiation away from the structure. A cool roof literally stays cooler than asphalt, steel, or other conventional roofing materials and reduces the amount of heat conducted to the building it covers. If a building does not have air conditioning, this keeps the building cooler and a more constant temperature. Conversely, for a building that has air conditioning, a cool roof will reduce the output needed from the air conditioning unit and reduce energy consumption.

Cool Roofing Infographic

What is Solar Reflectivity and Thermal Emittance of a Cool Roof?

 Cool Roofing Materials

Because of today’s technologically innovative colour coating systems such as Kynar 500® and Hylar 5000®, a cool metal roof need not be white. There are many aluminum cool roofing products that use darker-colored pigments that have a high Solar Reflectivity Index (SRI). Additionally, A cool roof need not be a flat or low-sloped roof. Cool aluminum roofing panels come in a wide variety of architectural profiles to suit any style of home or commercial application, giving property owners the best of both worlds in terms of style and performance.

Cool Roof Temperature Graph

Compare different roofing materials for thermal emittance over a 3 year test term.

Cool Roofing Benefits at a Glance:

  • Reduces cooling bills
  • Prolongs the life of air conditioning systems
  • Reduces or eliminate maintenance costs
  • Assist your home in meeting building codes
  • Reduce green house gas emissions
  • Reduce urban heat island mitigation
  • Reduces smog
  • Peak energy savings and grid stability

Find out more:

Cool Roofing Systems

Eco-Roof Incentive Program