Analysis of Thermal Comfort Changes Before and After Becool Paint Application at the Nurul Iman Karangmulya Al-Quran Education Park

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of applying BeCool reflective paint on the thermal comfort of classrooms at TPA Nurul Iman, Karangmulya Village, Plumbon District, Cirebon. The research background is based on the hot and dry climatic conditions of the northern coast of Java, which significantly affect indoor thermal conditions, especially in educational buildings with limited design strategies for heat reduction. The study was conducted over six consecutive days in August 2025. Data collection employed the Elitech RC-4 device to measure roof surface temperature, indoor air temperature, and mean radiant temperature, while outdoor climatic parameters were recorded using a Weather Station. The data were processed and analyzed with Microsoft Excel and further evaluated using the CBE Thermal Comfort Tool to assess compliance with ASHRAE 55 standards. The results show that the application of BeCool reflective paint successfully reduced roof surface temperature by 10–12 °C, indoor air temperature by 9–11 °C, and mean radiant temperature by 2–3 °C. These improvements shifted classroom thermal conditions, which were initially outside the comfort zone, closer to the acceptable range of thermal comfort. The conclusion highlights that reflective paint is a simple, economical, and effective strategy for improving thermal quality in learning spaces, though complementary architectural improvements in ventilation, openings, and façade orientation remain necessary.