Tamil Nadu Launches India's First State-Level SOP for Cool Roof Coating on World Environment Day

Tamil Nadu Launches India's First State-Level Standard Operating Procedure for Cool Roof Coating Application On the occasion of World Environment Day 2026, the Government of Tamil Nadu released the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Coating Application, a first-of-its-kind state-level technical framework for the systematic, quality-assured deployment of cool roof solutions. The SOP was released by Dr. V. Rajeev, Hon'ble Minister for Environment and Climate Change, and Thiru R.V. Ranjithkumar, Hon'ble Minister for Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu. Developed through the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) and the Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Seeds Technical Services (STS), this publication marks a defining step in the State's climate action agenda. With Tamil Nadu facing intensifying urban heat, the SOP translates climate ambition into field-ready action, providing standardised procedures for roof assessment, coating application, quality control, safety, and maintenance applicable to homes, schools, and public buildings. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Cool Roof Implementation outlines a scientifically validated passive cooling approach that can significantly reduce roof surface temperatures by 6-8°C and indoor temperatures by 4-5°C, thereby improving thermal comfort in buildings during periods of extreme heat. The SOP highlights that the use of high solar-reflective coatings with a Solar Reflective Index (SRI) of 102 can lower cooling energy demand by up to 20 percent and reduce thermal discomfort hours by nearly 30 percent, offering an affordable and energy-efficient solution to heat stress without reliance on mechanical cooling systems. It provides a comprehensive 12-stage implementation framework covering feasibility assessment, procurement, surface preparation, coating application, quality assurance, safety protocols, maintenance requirements, and clearly defined institutional roles and responsibilities to ensure consistent and effective deployment. Developed under the partnership between the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the SOP serves as the implementation framework for large-scale cool roof interventions and is designed as a scalable, evidence-based model that can be replicated by other states and regions to enhance climate resilience, reduce emissions, and improve public well-being. Additional Chief Secretary to Government Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department Issued By: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9