Taken from Section 18-13-101: Scope and General Requirements

Low Slope Roofs up to 2:12 pitch must have initial reflectance value of 0.72 or a three year installed reflectance value of 0.50 as determined by Cool Roof Rating Council or by Energy Star.

Exception: If 50% of the roof surface is covered with a green roof (as defined by USEPA), the remainder of the roof shall have a min. reflectance value of 0.30.

Exception: Ballasted roofs must have a min. of 15 lbs/sq. ft. of ballast, and are considered to have a reflectance value of 0.30.

Exception: Roofs that have a maximum rise of ¼” per ft. slope can be replaced with BUR graveled surfaced systems and have a min. reflectance value of 0.30.

Roof repairs need to meet or exceed the reflectance value in effect when the roof was originally permitted.

Medium-Sloped Roofs: (Roofs with a rise of 2:12 to 5:12)

• Initial solar reflectance must be 0.15 or greater

For additional information on the Chicago Energy Code, or to read it in its entirety, please visit www.cityofchicago.org/buildings