How does ENERGY STAR™ work for shingles?
The shingles must have a minimum solar reflectance (tested right out of the package and again after three years on the roof) and a comparable (with non approved shingles) warranty program. It is assumed that better shingle solar reflectance, if used on every roof within an urban area, may reduce the overall temperature in cities (heat island effect), which in turn would lower the energy load needed for air conditioning. In terms of the practical benefit to the individual home directly, shingle color is irrelevant to home heating and cooling costs since the attic floor is typically well-insulated and the attic is also ventilated.
