The Clean Energy Research Center, a joint effort between the United States and China to promote clean energy practices, was established in November 2009. The Building Energy Efficiency (BEE) initiative, one of the three main programs established by the CERC, aims to research best practices for building energy efficiency.

The Cool Roofs project, geared towards finding the best methods to implement cool roofs in China, has various specific objectives. The project will assess the climates, urban design and building practices unique to China that will shape the strategy to install cool roofs in China. In addition, the project will measure the potential benefits and disadvantages of installing cool roofs versus traditional roofs in new buildings.

The potential advantages of installing cool roofs throughout China are significant. Because of the positive impact cool roofs have on air quality, public health in China stands to improve with the installation of cool roofs and cool pavements in more and more places.

The urban heat island effect, a phenomenon seen in cities throughout the world, describes what happens when urban areas of more than 1 million people have a higher temperature than the surrounding rural areas. This effect—which can be mitigated by cool roofs— can result in higher energy costs, poorer air quality, and heightened greenhouse gas emissions.

Because of the rapid urbanization taking place in China, finding energy efficient practices is of critical importance.