White roofs and cool roof technology performed remarkably when we
completed several thousand hours of advanced infrared to see how the
roofs were reflecting or absorbing the sun's rays. These tiles have
the potential to save on emissions but there is a very real concern.
There isn't a time when you want tiles to be absorbent on the outside
of the building because you will create urban heat islands and change
weather. The walls of the buildings should be white, shaded or
protected from solar radiation as well.
Buildings are designed and insulated for very specific temperatures
and absorbent finishes on the exterior can compromise that. Here is a
link to a youtube video we completed to show how absorbent finishes
contribute to urban heat islands and climate change. Watch the trees
from neighbors protecting buildings across roads.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EmBQcXr6ng 
