Code & Standard
What Is the Cool Roof Rating Council? Role and Industry Relevance
Also called: CRRC, Cool Roof Council
Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is a nonprofit organization that develops and maintains objective standards for measuring and certifying the radiative properties—solar reflectance and thermal emittance—of roofing products.
In plain English
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent organization that develops and maintains standards for measuring and certifying the radiative properties—specifically solar reflectance and thermal emittance—of roofing products, providing a publicly accessible rating system used in building codes and energy programs.
How cool roof rating council (crrc) works
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent, non-profit organization that develops and maintains objective standards for measuring and certifying the radiative properties of roofing materials, specifically solar reflectance and thermal emittance. These properties are critical in determining a roof’s ability to reflect solar energy and release absorbed heat, directly impacting the thermal performance of roofing systems across various geometries, including low-slope and steep-slope roofs, as well as complex assemblies with multiple ridges, valleys, and eaves.
CRRC-rated roofing products are tested under standardized protocols to ensure consistent performance data, which is essential for architects, builders, and code officials when specifying materials for energy-efficient construction. By certifying products for their reflectance and emittance, the CRRC supports the selection of roofing assemblies that can reduce heat gain, improve occupant comfort, and lower cooling loads, particularly in climates with high solar exposure. These ratings are applicable to a wide range of roofing structures, from flat commercial roofs to pitched residential systems, and play a significant role in compliance with building codes, green building programs, and sustainable design initiatives.
Why it matters for your roof
The CRRC is dedicated to promoting the use of cool roofing products that reduce heat transfer and help to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It also affects how homeowners, contractors, and specifiers evaluate roof durability, cost, risk, and long-term value.
Benefits
STANDARDIZED COOL ROOF RATINGS
CRRC provides uniform testing and rating protocols for solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roofing products.
CODE COMPLIANCE SUPPORT
CRRC ratings facilitate compliance with energy codes and green building standards requiring verified cool roof performance data.
CREDIBLE PRODUCT COMPARISON
CRRC’s independent certification enables objective comparison of cool roofing materials based on scientifically validated performance metrics.
INDUSTRY TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
CRRC serves as an authoritative resource for technical information on cool roof properties, supporting informed specification and design decisions.
Limitations
LIMITED JURISDICTION
CRRC ratings and standards are primarily recognized in the United States and may lack authority in other regions.
SCOPE RESTRICTIONS
The CRRC only evaluates and certifies roofing products for solar reflectance and thermal emittance, not overall roof performance.
VOLUNTARY COMPLIANCE
CRRC participation is voluntary, so not all roofing products or manufacturers are represented in its database or labeling.
CODE INTEGRATION GAPS
CRRC ratings are not automatically adopted into local building codes, leading to inconsistent enforcement and applicability across jurisdictions.
Common problems
NON-COMPLIANT MATERIAL USE
Failure to specify CRRC-rated products can result in roofs that do not meet mandated cool roof codes or rebate requirements.
MISINTERPRETATION OF RATINGS
Misunderstanding CRRC reflectance or emissivity data may lead to incorrect product selection and reduced energy performance.
INADEQUATE DOCUMENTATION
Incomplete or missing CRRC certification documentation can cause project delays, failed inspections, or loss of code compliance.
OUTDATED STANDARD REFERENCE
Relying on superseded CRRC standards may result in non-compliance with current building codes or energy regulations.
Where you'll see it
CODE COMPLIANCE CHECK
Architects reference CRRC ratings to verify that specified roofing materials meet local cool roof code requirements for solar reflectance and thermal emittance.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
Specifiers use CRRC-listed products to ensure roofing assemblies achieve documented energy performance and qualify for cool roof incentives or rebates.
INSPECTION VERIFICATION
Building inspectors consult CRRC product ratings during final inspections to confirm installed roofing materials match approved cool roof submittals.
CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATION
Contractors reference CRRC listings to demonstrate that their proposed roofing materials are independently tested and compliant with recognized cool roof standards.
Don't confuse it with
Not to be confused with a mandatory code requirement, a contractor license, or a manufacturer warranty.
- Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) vs ENERGY STAR roofing program
- Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) vs LEED roofing standards
- Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) vs ASTM roofing standards
- Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) vs California Title 24
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) and what does it do?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) is an independent organization that develops and maintains credible methods for evaluating and labeling the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roofing products to improve energy efficiency.
What is the main function of the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) in the roofing industry?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) develops and maintains credible methods for evaluating and labeling the solar reflectance and thermal emittance of roofing products, helping homeowners and contractors compare and select energy-efficient roofing materials.
Why is the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) important for building owners and roofing professionals?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) provides standardized, credible ratings for roofing products’ solar reflectance and thermal emittance, helping building owners and professionals select materials that improve energy efficiency and meet code requirements.
How does the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) certification impact the energy performance of roofing materials?
CRRC certification ensures roofing materials are tested and rated for solar reflectance and thermal emittance, helping homeowners and contractors select products that improve energy efficiency and reduce cooling costs by reflecting more sunlight and releasing heat.
How does the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) measure and certify the reflectance and emissivity of roofing materials?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) measures and certifies roofing materials’ solar reflectance and thermal emissivity through standardized laboratory testing, ensuring accurate, third-party verified data for energy efficiency and code compliance.
What factors does the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) consider when rating roofing materials?
The Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) rates roofing materials based on their solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and solar reflectance index (SRI), which measure how well a roof reflects sunlight and releases absorbed heat.
Related terms
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