French Company Uses Discarded Oyster Shells to Conserve Energy and Cool Buildings

CONSERVATION APRIL 11, 2024

According to a new report, Europe is the fastest-warming continent, with temperatures rising at nearly twice the global average. And with more heat records forecast over the next five years, the demand for air conditioning is expected to soar. This creates a vicious cycle where the energy needed to power these air conditioners generates even more greenhouse gases and increases worldwide temperatures.

Cool Roof France has discovered a creative method to utilize the 130,000 tonnes of waste oysters generated annually in France to help conserve energy and cool buildings. How?

First, let’s talk about traditional paint, which is comprised of calcium, solvent and water. Cool Roof France uses the outer part of the discarded oyster shells (made from calcium) to replace the traditional calcium in their thermo-reflective white roof paint.

And white-painted roofs are cool — literally — reflecting about 60 – 90% of sunlight, which helps keep buildings cooler and reduces air conditioning needs.

Learn more about how Cool Roof France is using white paint for good around the world.