Solar reflection index

The Solar Reflection Index of a material is a value between 0 and 1:

• A value of 0 corresponds to that of a black reference material (not very reflective and capable of emitting absorbed heat) that demonstrates a 50°C increase in temperature in bright sunlight,
• A value of 100 corresponds to that of a white reference material (highly reflective even if it is also capable of emitting what little heat it has stored) that demonstrates an 8°C increase in temperature in bright sunlight.

Through their aptitude to reflect solar heat and emit the heat absorbed, building products used in building envelope applications can contribute:

• to reducing air conditioning requirements in regions with hot sunny climates
• to reducing the effect of urban heat* islands in these regions.

* “Designates local increases in temperature, especially maximum daytime and night time temperatures recorded in urban areas compared to neighbouring rural or wooded areas or compared to average regional temperatures”