ADVISORY/ 'Cool' Construction Materials Help Curb Energy Use; Can Help to Avoid Rolling Blackouts.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...for Wed. (Feb. 14)

--(BUSINESS WIRE)

WHAT: The significant impact of "cool" or energy-efficient construction
materials, such as white reflective roofing, in geographies where energy demand
outpaces supply. Communities across the U.S. can benefit from white reflective
roofing in terms of reducing energy consumption, the urban heat island effect,
smog, health and respiratory problems. Not only can building owners save money
with white roofs, but they can also improve their local environment. Consider
the following: --The EPA estimates that nearly $40 billion is spent annually in
the U.S. to air-condition buildings. This represents one-sixth of all
electricity generated in the country each year.    --Furthermore, according to
the EPA, a black roofing surface in the sun can be up to 100 degrees (F) hotter
than a reflective white roofing surface. This heat is typically emitted into
the atmosphere. --Dark, heat-absorbing construction materials (including
roofing and road surfaces) coupled with a lack of shade trees result in urban
heat islands in many American cities. This phenomenon can raise a city's
temperature 2 to 12 degrees higher than the surrounding countryside, and
increase the electric utility's peak load. --White roofing materials can
reflect up to 80% of the sun's rays, thereby reducing peak cooling demand by
10-15%, which helps to reduce the utility's peak load. --Lawrence Berkeley Labs
estimates that because of urban heat islands, Los Angeles uses 1-1.5 additional
gigawatts of power, costing Los Angeles ratepayers about $100 million per year.
--If all the buildings in the greater Los Angeles area had cool roof systems,
the total energy and smog savings would be about one half billion dollars/year,
according to LBL. WHO: Stevens Roofing Systems is one of the world's largest
manufacturers of white reflective roofing products for commercial buildings.
The company has extensive knowledge about the role of energy-efficient roofing
and is a Carter Partner of the EPA's Energy Star Roof Products program, and a
member of the Cool Roof Ratings Council. WHEN: Telephone interviews with
Stevens personnel can be arranged at the reporter's convenience. Face-to-face
interviews can also be arranged in the Greater Boston area, and in the San
Francisco area between February 14 - 17, 2001. WHERE: Stevens Roofing Systems,
based in Holyoke, Massachusetts. HOW: Contact Lori Robak at 508-435-1286 or at
[e-mail] for an interview.