Heat-reflective 'cool roof' paint cuts summer power bills for vulnerable Seoul households

Seoul, South Korea, has launched a pilot program to apply heat-reflective cool roof paint to 152 buildings housing vulnerable residents, with promising results. The initiative, launched in April, targeted aging, low-rise residential areas with poor insulation and limited access to home repairs. The program's primary focus was on older adults, low-income families, and other vulnerable residents who are particularly affected by the summer heat.

The results have been remarkable, with August electricity bills dropping by up to 40 percent compared to the previous year. Rooftop surface temperatures were also reduced by more than 10 degrees Celsius, making the houses significantly cooler during the hot summer months. One resident expressed relief, stating that the cool roof coating had transformed their living environment, lowering their electricity bill by 50,000 won ($36) compared to last summer.

Another resident reported that the coating even stopped leaks in the roof, further enhancing the living conditions.

The city's initiative has garnered hope and support from the residents involved. They hope that the program will expand to reach more elderly residents and others in need, emphasizing the importance of addressing the issue of heat vulnerability in Seoul.