Tackling Urban Heat

Our Progress

Tackling Urban Heat

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the US, disproportionately affecting poorer communities. An estimated 85% of Americans, around 280 million people, live in metropolitan areas, where many are experiencing extreme heat or an urban heat island effect. Our products, expertise and services make GAF uniquely positioned to tackle this growing climate threat. Our StreetBond pavement coatings, white TPO and Timberline Solar™ are all strategies that will support urban cooling now and in the future. In 2022, GAF launched the GAF Cool Community Project, an unprecedented, community-wide, cross-sector research initiative to understand the impacts of various cooling solutions on heat and livability within metropolitan areas with the goal of providing those learnings to other cities.

GAF Cool Community Project in Pacoima, CA

Pacoima is one of the warmest neighborhoods in Los Angeles and has seen temperatures increase nearly two degrees since 1955. It made the community an ideal candidate to launch the GAF Cool Community Project. We partnered with Climate Resolve, Global Cool Cities Alliance, Pacoima Beautiful and Urban Semillas to involve residents in the project, which included the coating designs and colors that would be used. GAF then applied 700,000 sq ft. of StreetBond solar-reflective pavement coatings to streets, parking lots, basketball courts and a playground. Climate scientists are helping measure and track the impact and additional phases of the project are currently being discussed and could include cool roofing and solar. To learn more click here.

While initial research results from Pacoima are positive, the lived experience residents are having is the real measure of success. At a recent town hall, GAF heard directly from residents and the takeaway was clear - we’re helping to make a difference.

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The project you all have brought to us, has been a life changer. I have seen a lot more people out now than there have ever been.

Jeniffer Ramirez

Pacoima resident

Pacoima tends to have a reputation of looking ugly, messy, but the coating on the pavement makes it look nice. I think the community appreciates it because it makes it [the streets] look nice and you just feel it in general, it doesn’t get too hot.

Maria Rosas

Pacoima resident

The GAF team was great to work with on the breakthrough GAF Cool Community Project in Pacoima, California and alongside local partners, we created the largest cool pavement project in Los Angeles.

Jonathan Parfrey

Executive Director, Climate Resolve

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