Open petition: Require lighter coloured roofing and paving material to combat climate change

Created by john rhys jones
Closes on 16 March 2027

We call on the Government to introduce guidance on Minimum Solar Reflectance Index expectations for new residential walls and roofing. Including advice such as encouraging parking lots use high-albedo paving materials (like light-coloured concrete, pale pavers, or surfaces with reflective topcoats).

Building materials come in a range of colours and the fraction of light energy absorbed by them can make a real difference to the climate in our cities, but in our view most builders and architects give this little thought. In the public interest, we think that something closer to the colour pallet of a Cotswold village should be encouraged as a consideration when judging the adequacy of a planning application.

Sign this petition