Tennessee has repealed its cool roof requirement, joining other states in eliminating mandates on reflective roofs. The decision came after industry lobbyists successfully pushed back against regulations that threatened to diminish their market share.
The state’s cool roof mandate, which applied to commercial buildings in 20 of its 95 counties, was updated in 2021 to expand requirements to more areas, including Nashville. However, an update to climate maps last year expanded the requirements again to include even more counties, including its most populous urban area.
Despite opposition from industry groups, Baltimore passed a cool-roof ordinance in 2023, with supporters citing benefits for energy efficiency and cooling cities during warmer months.
Industry representatives argue that cool roofs are not suitable for all climates, pointing out potential drawbacks such as higher winter heating bills. However, researchers have found that reflective roofs can save energy and cool cities by easing the “urban heat island effect” – the extra heat that gets trapped in city neighborhoods because buildings and pavement soak up the sun.
Tennessee’s decision is part of a broader trend of industry pushback against climate regulations. Other states, including Denver, have also seen lobbying efforts succeed in watering down or eliminating cool roof mandates.
Homeowners are increasingly taking matters into their own hands, with some opting for reflective roofs despite potential concerns over aesthetics and cost. Brian Spear, a homeowner in Arizona, has chosen to install a gray metal roof with a reflective coating on an Airbnb home, citing the need for effective cooling measures in the face of rising temperatures.
As mercury rises worldwide, policymakers are facing growing pressure from industries pushing back against climate regulations. The fight over cool roofs is just one example of how powerful interests are stalling climate action and prioritizing profits over people.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jun/01/dark-roof-lobby