Video: NYC CoolRoofs Initiative

The initiative achieves several goals: lowering indoor temperatures by installing energy-saving reflective rooftops, providing local job seekers with training and work experience, and keeping neighborhoods cooler by installing clusters of reflective rooftops.

Installations are provided at no-cost to nonprofits, affordable housing, select cooperatively-owned housing and select organizations providing public, cultural, or community services. Privately-owned buildings can receive installations at minimal cost. The program also supports the city's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, because it helps decrease the summertime peak energy demand for cooling. Since 2009, the program has coated more than 10 million square feet of rooftops throughout the city.

Find out more about the 2019 Seven for 7 honorees.