Cool Paints and Reflective Glazing

In 2006, California adopted the California Global Warming Solutions Act, also known as AB 32.  This law created a comprehensive, long term plan for California to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.  Cool Paints was identified as an Early Action strategy, to be in place no later than January 1, 2010.   This strategy is based on measures to reduce the solar heat gain in a vehicle parked in the sun.  A cooler interior would make drivers less likely to activate the air conditioner, which increases carbon dioxide emissions.

Potential approaches include reformulation of paint to reflect near-infrared sunlight, parked car ventilation, and solar reflective window glazing.  It is expected that cool paints, together with reflective glazing, will reduce the soak temperature of the typical vehicle parked in the sun by 5 to10 degrees celsius.