Alofi

Researchers are evaluating the impact of cool roof coatings on health, indoor environments, and economic outcomes in urban climate hotspots across the globe. This global multi-center cluster-randomized controlled trial focuses on communities in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Ahmedabad (India), Tavua (Fiji), Niue, and Colima (Mexico) where extreme heat caused by climate change increases risks for heat-related illnesses and worsens physical, mental, and social health. The study aims to find effective passive housing adaptations to reduce heat stress and improve wellbeing in vulnerable populations living in poor housing conditions such as informal settlements and slums. The intervention being studied is the application of sunlight-reflecting cool roof coatings, which passively lower indoor temperatures by reflecting ultraviolet and visible sunlight and emitting absorbed solar heat. These coatings are applied to roofs in selected households to reduce heat exposure and energy use. The trial spans multiple urban hotspots with diverse climate and socioeconomic profiles, assessing the effects of cool roofs on health and environmental conditions over time. Participants will have their resting heart rate, blood glucose control, and depression levels measured repeatedly over 12 months, including during three consecutive hottest months and alternate months. Additional outcomes include indoor thermal comfort, blood pressure, dehydration, sleep quality, cognition, productivity, aggression, indoor air quality, energy expenditure, and healthcare utilization. The study will monitor these health and environmental indicators to determine the potential benefits of cool roofs in reducing heat stress and improving life quality in vulnerable communities.