BACKGROUND:
Climate change disproportionately affects communities experiencing social and environmental vulnerabilities. In South Africa, rising temperatures pose significant risk to peri-urban communities where poorly constructed housing and low socioeconomic status increase exposure to heat stress. Knowledge gaps exist in designing climate-smart solutions tailored to communities affected. This pilot study explored community perceptions and attitudes toward passive cooling technologies for homes, focusing on cool roofs, as a climate adaptation strategy in Umlazi, South Africa.

METHODS:
Trained facilitators conducted two focus group discussions with community members, using a structured guide, to explore perceptions and attitudes toward cool roof interventions. Discussions were recorded, transcribed and analysed using inductive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke’s approach.

RESULTS:
Four themes emerged: perceived benefits and acceptance, concerns and reservations, affordability and equity, and durability and maintenance. Participants recognised the potential of cool roofs in reducing indoor heat, improving comfort, reducing extreme fatigue, and benefiting vulnerable populations; they viewed the intervention as timely and necessary. However, concerns were raised that some older people might believe that white roofs attracts death, and some may indulge in the conspiracy theory that the coating is associated with disease. Participants questioned the long-term effectiveness of cool roofs and their compatibility with existing informal housing structures lacking traditional roofs. They felt that the current cost of paint may make the intervention inaccessible to those most in need of it, thereby limiting equitable distribution, as most people were unemployed. Furthermore, they believed that if cool roofs lacked long-term durability and required constant maintenance, people were unlikely to accept the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:
While overall perceptions were positive, engaging and educating the community through transparent communication and information on cool roof interventions will address concerns and encourage the adoption of these interventions. More research is required to inform acceptable and scalable implementation in peri-urban settings.