Projects and Events

Sustainable South Bronx (SSB) New Roof Demonstration Project

With funding from Majora Carter, Executive Director of Sustainable South Bronx, Joyce Rosenthal will work with graduate research assistants to assess the benefits of cool roof development in the South Bronx. The project will evaluate passive rooftop cooling technologies that may have multiple advantages in conserving peak electrical load by reducing need for air conditioning during hot days; improving air quality by reducing the formation of ground-level ozone; and improving public health by reducing summertime heat stress during hot days and heat waves.

Rosenthal will work with the South Bronx New Roofs Demonstration Project to collect and analyze data on the costs and benefits of a pilot green and cool roof project and to assess the potential for broader scale development of urban heat island mitigation strategies in the South Bronx.  The research will seek to (1) identify effective institutional mechanisms, public policies and economic incentives to promote the adoption of neighborhood-based heat island mitigation and energy conservation measures; and (2) quantify their environmental impacts, focusing initially on reduced energy needs (3) and assess the community-wide potential for use of cool rooftops in residential and commercial buildings and the possible benefits from a broader-scale program. 

The research results will be made publicly available through reports and presentations to facilitate the adoption of cost-effective measures for residential and commercial buildings to improve the environment and save money, and mitigate the urban heat island effect and associated air quality degradation in the South Bronx.  The results will be directly relevant to a large audience – especially city planners, building managers, residents, citizens’ groups and not-for-profit organizations.