Reflective coatings stand at the forefront of sustainable construction, offering a powerful solution to industry challenges posed by climate change, resource scarcity, and rising energy costs. These innovative coatings significantly enhance energy efficiency, improve thermal comfort, and contribute to urban heat management by reducing buildings' absorption of solar heat. This leads to a decreased reliance on air-conditioning systems, resulting in substantial energy savings and a lower carbon footprint for building operations. Our comprehensive study examines these coatings' application on roofs, walls, and windows, confirming their effectiveness in maintaining cooler building interiors and reducing the demand on mechanical cooling systems. By meticulously analyzing materials, application techniques, and modeling methodologies, the paper elucidates the coatings' pivotal role in promoting environmentally responsible building practices. The findings reveal that reflective coatings have the potential to reduce solar heat gain by about 40 %. This reduction can lead to a corresponding indoor temperature drop of 2–4°C in naturally ventilated buildings or a decrease in cooling energy use in air-conditioned buildings, provided the air conditioning system is not undersized. These energy savings are particularly significant in urban environments, where widespread adoption could potentially lower ambient temperatures by approximately 1°C, thus addressing the urban heat island (UHI) effect more effectively. In conclusion, our research offers a quantified assessment of reflective coatings, emphasizing their value within the broader discourse of environmentally responsible construction. Their substantial potential to support urban sustainability objectives is evident, marking them as a promising avenue for future development and implementation.