Cool Roof Rating Council expands resources and industry engagement

By The Coffee Shops™. 

New tools, updated programs and a reimagined conference are helping make cool roofing information more accessible across the industry. 

The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is broadening how it serves roofing professionals through updated rating programs, expanded educational resources and a new approach to industry collaboration. 

In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips®, Audrey McGarrell, communications manager for the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), outlined how the nonprofit continues to advance its mission of bringing scientific information to conversations about cool surfaces, heat islands, extreme heat and energy use. 

McGarrell explained that the organization focuses on three primary areas: rating programs, technical research and education. The rating programs evaluate roofing and exterior wall products based on their ability to reflect sunlight and emit heat, providing data used in building codes, ordinances and green building programs. 

Recent updates have focused on improving how those programs operate. One of the biggest changes has been phasing out the organization’s longstanding Random Testing Program. “What we have now... is this validation testing program where products are on a set seven-year schedule,” Audrey said. The change gives manufacturers greater predictability while helping the CRRC manage resources more effectively. According to Audrey, feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. 

The organization has also streamlined its wall product rating program by moving more functions into its online rating portal. The enhancement simplifies application submissions, laboratory coordination and test result management. 

Beyond technical improvements, the CRRC recently redesigned its annual gathering. Formerly known as the annual general membership meeting, the event was reintroduced as the CRRC Annual Conference and expanded into a three-day experience focused on collaboration. 

“One of the ways that we did that is by introducing a new breakout session where we put everybody in small groups and talked about barriers, opportunities, challenges,” Audrey said. 

The changes reflect a broader effort to create more opportunities for conversation, networking and shared problem-solving across the cool surfaces industry. As the organization continues refining its programs, education remains a central focus of its work. 

Listen to the full podcast or Watch the recording to learn more about cool roofing education and industry initiatives.