Reflective roofs combat extreme heat in Sierra Leone

Reflective panels installed on homes in Freetown, Sierra Leone, are helping residents cope with extreme heat by reducing indoor temperatures by over 6°C.

Jake Wood reports for BBC.

In short:

• Reflective roofs in Kroo Bay, Freetown, are mitigating extreme heat, making homes more livable.
• Panels made from recycled materials reduce indoor temperatures and are more durable than traditional paints.
• MEER’s project in Sierra Leone aims to expand to India to tackle similar heat challenges.

Key quote:

“People are effectively baking inside their own homes.”

— Peter Dynes, managing director of MEER

Why this matters:

Extreme heat increases health risks and reduces quality of life, especially in densely populated informal settlements. Innovative cooling solutions like reflective roofs can significantly improve living conditions in vulnerable regions.