A simple coat of reflective paint is helping Bengaluru‘s public health facilities stay cooler, with a pilot project demonstrating a reduction of more than 3°C in indoor temperatures.

The initiative, implemented at selected urban health centres, uses “cool roof” technology designed to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption, making buildings more comfortable during periods of extreme heat.

Significant drop in indoor temperatures

According to findings from the pilot project, buildings coated with reflective paint recorded indoor temperatures more than 3°C lower than comparable structures without the treatment.

The reduction is expected to improve comfort levels for patients, healthcare workers and visitors, particularly during summer months when temperatures in Bengaluru continue to rise.

Experts say even a modest reduction in indoor heat can significantly improve working conditions and reduce heat-related stress. Similar cool-roof initiatives in other regions have reported indoor temperature reductions of 3–4°C.

Low-cost solution to urban heat

Cool roofs work by reflecting a large portion of solar radiation instead of absorbing it. Reflective coatings and light-coloured paints have increasingly been recognised as cost-effective tools to reduce heat gain in buildings and lower dependence on air-conditioning.

Urban planners and climate experts have been advocating such solutions as cities face rising temperatures linked to climate change and urbanisation.

Potential for wider adoption

The success of the pilot has sparked interest in expanding the initiative to more public buildings, including schools, government offices and healthcare facilities.

Officials believe the technology could help reduce cooling costs, improve energy efficiency and enhance public health outcomes, particularly for vulnerable populations.

As cities search for sustainable ways to adapt to rising temperatures, Bengaluru’s experience suggests that simple interventions such as reflective roof coatings can deliver meaningful results without major infrastructure investments. #Bengaluru #CoolRoof #PublicHealth #ClimateAction #Sustainability #newskarnataka