---
title: What A Week! | Reflecting on Reflectance
description: Untangle SR, emissivity, and SRI, explain how programs differ, and show how clear specs and the right metrics prevent roofing confusion.
---

[Deliberate Words Podcast | conspectusinc.com ](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast)

# [What A Week! | Reflecting on Reflectance](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-reflecting-on-reflectance)

 Written by [Elias Saltz, Steve Gantner, David Stutzman](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/author/elias-saltz-steve-gantner-david-stutzman) | December 15, 2025 at 6:21 PM

 

This episode tackles confusion around roofing sustainability metrics. Steve breaks down the difference between **solar reflectance (SR)**, **emissivity**, and **solar reflectance index (SRI)**, explaining how SR and emissivity work together to calculate SRI and why mixing all three in a specification can create conflicts. The team discusses how different programs like **LEED, ENERGY STAR, and CalGreen** use different metrics, which fuels misunderstanding. The takeaway: understand which system applies, say it once in the right place, and use tools like the **Lawrence Berkeley National Lab SRI calculator** to clarify data gaps and keep specs aligned with performance goals.

**Learning Points**

- Understand the difference between SR, emissivity, and SRI and how they relate
- Know which metric applies based on the program or performance goal
- Avoid specifying redundant or conflicting values
- Use calculators and trusted references to clarify missing data
- Say it once, and say it in the right place

[SRI Calculator](https://www.conspectusinc.com/hubfs/SRIcalc10.xls)

[View full post](https://www.conspectusinc.com/deliberate-words-podcast/what-a-week-reflecting-on-reflectance)

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