Thermo reflective coatings: a technical solution for sustainably reducing building energy costs
- joelkohli8
- Apr 17
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 18
In response to the continued rise in energy costs and the urgent need to reduce CO₂ emissions, buildings have become a key lever in the energy transition. In Switzerland, the building stock accounts for around 40% of final energy consumption and nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). In this context, the application of innovative thermo-reflective coatings emerges as a high-performance solution that is economical, ecological, and easy to implement.
A high-tech formulation with advanced thermal performance
These coatings are composed of a high-temperature mineral resin base and specific fillers such as:
Silica aerogels, highly porous and lightweight materials with extremely low thermal conductivity (around 0.012 to 0.015 W/m·K),
Ceramic and glass microspheres, acting as thermal reflectors and radiation barriers,
Infrared reflective pigments (IRR), capable of reflecting up to 93% of solar infrared radiation.
This composition allows for an immediate reduction in thermal exchange through conduction, convection, and radiation, the three modes of heat transfer. On the roof, this results in a surface temperature reduction of approximately 50% in the summer, thereby limiting the heat transmitted to the interior.
Measured and reproducible performance.
Tests under real conditions have demonstrated that these coatings provide:
A reduction of 6 to 10°C in indoor temperature in non-air-conditioned attics, significantly improving summer comfort.
A reduction of 25 to 40% in annual energy consumption related to heating and air conditioning (figures based on thermal simulations for 100 m² single-family homes).
A reduction in peak electrical loads, particularly useful in air-conditioned buildings, easing pressure on the electrical grid during the summer.
Application and durability: an immediate benefit without major construction work.
One of the main advantages of these coatings lies in their ease of application. They can be applied with a roller, brush, or airless spray, and do not require any disassembly or structural modifications to the building. They can be used on:
Flat or sloped roofs (bitumen, metal, concrete),
Exterior façades (plaster, raw concrete, wood or metal cladding),
Containers, warehouses, storage facilities, or technical rooms.
These coatings have an estimated lifespan of 10-15 years, with excellent resistance to UV rays (> 6,000 hours), weather conditions, humidity, and freeze/thaw cycles. Some products are also classified M1 or M0 in terms of fire reaction, a significant advantage in industrial environments or public buildings.
Quantified economic benefits.
Let’s take the example of an 800 m² poorly insulated administrative building with air conditioning in Lausanne, featuring large glazed areas and a south-facing bitumen roof.
Based on empirical on-site studies carried out in France and Italy in temperate climates on comparable buildings, after the application of a thermoreflective coating, we can reasonably aim for the following outcomes:
An indoor temperature drop of up to 6°C in summer, without the systematic use of air conditioning.
Annual cooling costs reduced from 10,000–12,000 CHF to around 6,000–7,200 CHF, representing estimated savings of 4,000 to 4,800 CHF per year.
An initial investment of around 60 CHF/m², or 48,000 CHF in total, paid off in 10 to 12 years, based solely on reduced cooling expenses.
This payback period can be further reduced if we factor in winter heating savings, the approximate 20% increase in output from potential bifacial photovoltaic panels installed in combination with the thermo reflective coating (thanks to the albedo effect), and any available subsidies.
Evolution of electricity prices for households in Switzerland (2005–2025)
A tool to achieve Switzerland's energy renovation goals.
The Energy Strategy 2050 aims to reduce the energy consumption of Switzerland’s building stock to 55 TWh/year by 2050, down from around 100 TWh today. This requires a massive renovation of existing buildings, with a target of 1 to 1.5% of the building stock being renovated annually, or about 40,000 to 50,000 buildings per year.
However, traditional insulation solutions often involve high costs, long construction times, and extensive interventions. Thermo reflective coatings, on the other hand, represent a light, fast, cost-effective, and complementary alternative to traditional insulation materials.
(Sources : éco'PRISME, France ; SFOE, buildings program)
By Joël Kohli, Chief Operating & Sales Strategy
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