Gwanak-gu, Cool Roof Construction on Rooftops of Senior Centers, Daycare Centers, and Welfare Centers

Seoul's Only Environmental Ministry National Fund of 120 Million Won Secured to Prevent Heatwave Damage for Vulnerable Groups... Rooftop Temperature Reduced by up to 30℃ During Heatwaves, Cooling Energy Consumption Cut by About 20% in Summer

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) has commenced construction of 'Cool Roof' installations on the rooftops of public facilities used by vulnerable health groups, such as senior centers, daycare centers, and welfare centers.

This project is the result of Gwanak-gu's active participation in the Ministry of Environment's '2020 Climate Change Response Promotion National Subsidy Project.' It is the only project in Seoul to receive 120 million KRW in national funding, matched by 120 million KRW from the district, totaling 240 million KRW for the project.

The project covers 51 facilities, the largest number nationwide.

The Cool Roof project involves applying paint with solar reflection effects on rooftops, reducing rooftop temperatures by up to 30℃ in midsummer, and cutting cooling energy consumption by about 20%, thereby mitigating heatwaves, urban heat islands, and tropical night damage.

By lowering rooftop temperatures, the use of cooling energy inside buildings is reduced, decreasing CO₂ emissions, improving air pollution, and alleviating global warming.

Additionally, waterproofing work is carried out together with the Cool Roof installation, preventing leakage damage and enhancing building durability, which is expected to improve building maintenance efficiency.

The district plans to complete the Cool Roof installations on senior centers, daycare centers, and welfare centers for the disabled by the end of May, before the onset of the intense heat.

Mayor Park Junhee stated, “By installing Cool Roofs on buildings used by vulnerable health groups, we expect to help prevent health damage that can occur during heatwaves,” and added, “We will actively promote the Cool Roof project to encourage its expansion in the private sector as well.”