For Immediate Release

Contact: John Tenorio
J. Arthur & Associates 661/294-6204
or Ron Johnston - URCA Exec. Director
714/628-3916

SCE and URCA Partner to Teach Why It's Cool to Have a "Cool Roof"

IRWINDALE, CA - 01/19/03 - Southern California Edison (SCE) in conjunction with the Union Roofing Contractors Association (URCA) will present two free seminars on how installing "cool roofs" can reduce electricity usage, save money, and improve profitability for commercial and industrial customers. The seminars are scheduled to be held at Edison's Customer Technology Application Center (CTAC) in Irwindale, CA on February 27, and on April 17, 2003.

Cool roofs consist of materials that effectively reflect the sun's heat away from the roof's surface. "A cool roof can reduce the surface temperature by 50 to 60 degrees thereby reducing the heat transferred to the building," said SCE manager of technical services Richard E. McLeod. "This helps to reduce energy costs, improve occupant comfort, cut maintenance costs, increase the life cycle of the roof, and reduce heat islands along with associated smog."

There are 6 to 8 billion square feet of commercial roofs in California. Seventy percent of the state's roofs, or 4 to 5.5 billion square feet are located in Southern California. "Given the large square footage of commercial roofs, coupled with year-round sunny days in Southern California, it's no wonder that we're taking the lead in providing cool roof education," said Ron Johnston, PhD, Executive Director of URCA. "Through this seminar, building owners, facilities managers, architects, consultants and construction professionals will learn about the benefits and applications of cool roofs," said Johnston.

Topics for the seminars include: what qualifies as a cool roof, emissivity and solar reflectivity, various types of roofs and materials, roof restoration vs. roof replacement, demonstration of roofing materials, examples of cost savings, agency rebate programs, skylight installation, safety requirements, insurance requirements, roof warranties, costs for replacing roofs, and roof maintenance.

Following the seminars, commercial roofing industry professionals and manufacturers will be available to answer questions and demonstrate the newest technologies in the commercial and industrial roofing industry.

"Our partnership with SCE is a natural. The URCA continually strives for quality, safety and innovation in construction and SCE is looking for ways to help its customers save energy and money," said Johnston.

There is no cost to attend the Cool Roof Seminars, but reservations must be made on or before February 19 (for the Feb. 27 seminar) and April 10 (for the April 17 seminar). Early registration is recommended. To register, call (626) 812-7537 or (800) 336-2822, ext. 2537. The event number is C9142. Attendees may also register online at www.sce.com/ctac. Complimentary continental breakfast, beverages and snacks will be provided.