Solving for the urban heat island
The journey begins with the exciting partnership of GAF Cool Community Project and StreetBond pavement coatings
GAF Cool Community Project
A first-of-its-kind initiative launched in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, the project is aimed at developing insights into ways cities can address urban heat at a community-wide level by assessing the effects of cooling strategies.
Download the 12-month summary of findings
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FeaturedTemperature reduction
In phase one, by applying StreetBond DuraShield with Invisible Shade technology, the initiative will monitor surface and ambient air temperatures, and evaluate qualitative measures, such as awareness of extreme heat impact, outdoor community engagement, and play opportunities.
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Neighborhood revitalization
Another advantage of partnering with StreetBond is the aesthetics of its product. While the technological aspects of the coatings address cooling and longevity, the vibrant color offerings let us transform neglected spaces into places neighbors are eager to enjoy together.
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Community engagement
It’s important for the people who live and work in the community, and the organizations that seek to improve it, to understand the changes we hope they’ll see and feel. Robust community engagement from the outset is vital to help ensure the success of the project process.
GAF Cool Community Project
The GAF Cool Community Project, a first-of-its-kind initiative, launched in the Pacoima neighborhood of Los Angeles, aimed at developing insights into ways cities can address urban heat at a community-wide level by assessing the effects of cooling strategies.Want to fight the effects of extreme heat in your community?
A pavement coating solution
GAF’s long history of community engagement along with the innovation of StreetBond products, uniquely position the pair to achieve the goal of reducing urban heat.
StreetBond DuraShield with Invisible Shade™ technology
The pavement coating can be applied clear or in a variety of colors - to reflect heat while adding protection. When applied to streets, playgrounds, and parking lots in Pacoima, surface temps were reduced by 8-14 degrees.
Making an impact that also makes headlines
Bloomberg: How One Los Angeles Neighborhood Is Guarding Against Deadly Heat
As temperatures hit triple digits on a blue-sky July day in the Los Angeles community of Pacoima, families escape the heat at a local park.
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Forbes: If Heatwaves Are The New Normal, How Can We Cool Our Cities Down?
The annual average temperature in the United States has already warmed over the past few decades and is projected to rise by 5°F – 8.7°F by the end of this century.
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Fast Company: 1 million square feet of L.A. roads are being covered with solar-reflective paint
It’s no secret by now that cities run hotter than the countryside: Fewer trees mean less shade, and concentrated human activity generates heat, which hard surfaces like pavement and parking lots absorb.
Read story
Good Morning America: Innovative new way one neighborhood is trying to cool their community
A Los Angeles neighborhood is beating the heat in a creative way with a fresh coat of paint that is turning out to be a cool solution.
Watch videoGAF community involvement
From our employees, to the communities where we operate, to the contractors we work with, we’re committed to creating opportunities to enhance lives and livelihoods.
Our Sustainability Promise
Building a better world starts with us. As leaders, we must consider the long-term impact of our business on the health of our planet. This includes dedication to product circularity, operational waste diversion, carbon emissions reduction and expansion of our green portfolio.
Community Matters
We believe that resilience is the foundation on which we will build thriving, sustainable communities of the future. GAF leverages our expertise, resources, and products in support of the fundamental needs of resilient communities: Shelter, Families, and Workforces.