The Heat Island Group begins the year with two new publications

Two new papers to be published in early 2014 showcase recent Heat Island Group research efforts to improve the measurement and prediction of roofing albedo.

A 13-author study titled "Soiling of building envelope surfaces and its effect on solar reflectance – Part II: Development of an accelerated aging method for roofing materials" will be published in Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells. This paper provides an update on the group's ongoing Advanced Surfaces project, including its method for simulating natural soiling and weathering of roofing materials in a laboratory setting.

Another multi-author study titled "Reflectometer measurement of roofing aggregate albedo" will be published in Solar Energy. This paper describes three validated methods for measuring the albedo of roofing aggregate (the rock that covers a 'tar and gravel' roof) with a widely used laboratory instrument. These techniques will make it practical to rate the performance of roofing aggregate in the product labeling program of the Cool Roof Rating Council.