These are independent reviews of the products mentioned, but TIME receives a commission when purchases are made through affiliate links at no additional cost to the purchaser.
When the sun shines on a typical white building, the exterior’s paint reflects 80 to 90% of the light. The remainder warms the surrounding area and inflates air-conditioning bills. But a new, whiter paint incorporates chemicals that better scatter UV rays, making it up to 98% reflective and potentially reducing AC needs by as much as 40%. “The heat is reflected into deep space,” says Xiulin Ruan, a professor of mechanical engineering who led the Purdue University team that created the paint. “You keep our cities cooler.” In fall 2022, the team announced the development of a thinner, lighter version that could coat airplanes, cars, and even spaceships.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- How Far Trump Would Go
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- Saving Seconds Is Better Than Hours
- Why Your Breakfast Should Start with a Vegetable
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Ryan Gosling
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
