How do the new Energy Star standards impact coatings?

The Energy Star 3.0 Roof Product Specs and Test Methods is changing its standards, and all coating manufacturers are required to meet the new standards by March 1, 2017.

The major change requires testing in additional geographic climate zones. All coatings will soon need to be tested in three weathering farm locations: Florida (hot and humid), Arizona (hot and dry) and the Midwest (cold and temperate). The Environmental Protection Agency recognizes aged reflectance values will vary depending on the climate. From pigment breakdown and biological growth to soot buildup and winter weather effects, averages from across three different zones will produce a more representative performance value. This will provide a fair comparison across a variety of technologies.

The new Energy Star standard still allows coatings to be listed under one of the 17 predefined colors in the Color Family Representative Element but requires testing for the entire color family, for initial and aged solar reflectance and for thermal emittance. The Cool Roof Rating Council predefined the 17 colors.