As 2025 kicks off with record-high temperatures, India is testing creative solutions to combat intense heatwaves. In Gujarat, researchers have initiated a project to coat rooftops with white paint to minimize indoor heat exposure.

Cool roof experiment in Ahmedabad

Nearly 400 households in Ahmedabad have had their roofs painted white using a titanium dioxide-infused coating. This reflective layer is designed to deflect sunlight, keeping indoor spaces cooler. Spearheaded by Aditi Bunker, an epidemiologist from the University of Heidelberg, the project aims to examine its impact on public health and energy efficiency.

Residents report noticeable improvements

People living in the Vanzara Vas slum in Narol have already observed significant changes. One resident shared that their home now remains noticeably cooler, their refrigerator no longer overheats, and their electricity bill has significantly decreased.

A global movement to counter heat stress

Similar studies are being carried out in countries like Burkina Faso, Mexico, and Niue. Initial findings from Burkina Faso reveal that cool roofs have lowered indoor temperatures by up to 1.7°C, leading to improved heart rates among residents. The Ahmedabad trial will continue for a year to gather in-depth data on its overall effectiveness.