5 Eco-friendly options to consider for your commercial roof

Many businesses choose to adopt more eco-friendly practices for various reasons. Whether it’s about staying true to core values, catching the eye of eco-conscious consumers, or aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, going green is on the agenda.

No matter the reason, facilities managers should explore sustainable commercial roofing solutions as a key move towards eco-friendly practices in the construction sector, contributing to energy efficiency.

The UK Government estimates that companies reducing their energy usage by 20% could save up to £6 billion by 2030. That’s a lot of savings!

SUSTAINABLE COMMERCIAL ROOFING OPTIONS FOR A MORE ECO-FRIENDLY ROOF

Here are five eco-friendly choices to consider for your next commercial roof project.

1.    Solar Panels: Imagine using your roof to generate electricity! Solar panels can offset a building’s electricity usage and last up to 25 years. It’s a great idea to have a specialist roofing contractor inspect your roof to ensure it can support solar panels for the long haul.
2.    Recycled Materials: Want to make a positive impact on the environment? Choose roofing materials made from recycled content. Recycled metal, rubber, and plastics help cut down the need for new materials and keep waste out of landfills.
3.    Green Roofing Systems: Green roofs are not just pretty to look at; they offer energy efficiency through natural insulation, enhance biodiversity, and improve air quality. They are a sustainable roofing solution with living vegetation that provides environmental benefits like stormwater management.
4.    White Roofing Systems: Cool roofs with light-coloured membranes reflect sunlight and absorb less heat than traditional roofing materials. This can keep buildings cooler inside, reducing the need for air conditioning in the summer. You’ll enjoy lower electricity bills and a more comfortable environment.
5.    Metal Roofing Systems: A metal roof is a smart, eco-friendly choice for commercial buildings. It’s recyclable, durable, and reflective, which helps keep buildings cool during warmer months. Plus, fewer replacements are needed over the structure’s lifespan.

When investing in sustainable commercial roofing options, hiring a specialist contractor is crucial. They bring expertise in sustainable roofing practices, energy-efficient systems, and recycling strategies, ensuring your building is environmentally friendly.

BENEFITS OF ECO-FRIENDLY ROOFING

Eco-friendly roofing offers numerous perks for commercial property owners. By incorporating sustainable roofing solutions, businesses can significantly cut their energy consumption, leading to lower energy costs and a smaller carbon footprint.

This not only helps achieve sustainability goals but also fosters a healthier environment.

Moreover, eco-friendly roofing can boost the overall aesthetic appeal of a building, making it more attractive to customers and employees. A visually appealing roof can increase property value and create a positive impression of the business.

Additionally, sustainable roofing solutions help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where urban areas are hotter than their rural surroundings. By reducing heat absorption, these roofs can lower overall temperatures in urban areas.

Eco-friendly roofs also manage stormwater runoff. Green roofs, for example, absorb rainwater, easing the burden on drainage systems and reducing flood risks.

Furthermore, these roofs provide habitats for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity in urban environments. Investing in eco-friendly roofing is a win-win for businesses and the planet.

TYPES OF ECO-FRIENDLY ROOFING OPTIONS

When it comes to sustainable commercial roofing options, there are several eco-friendly choices to suit different needs and preferences. One popular option is green roofs, also known as living roofs.

These roofs are covered with vegetation, such as plants and grass, providing natural insulation, reducing energy consumption, and managing stormwater runoff. Green roofs also enhance biodiversity and improve air quality, making them a holistic, sustainable roofing solution.

Metal roofs are another excellent, eco-friendly option. Made from recycled materials, metal roofs are highly durable and can last for decades. At the end of their lifespan, they can be recycled again, minimising waste. Metal roofs are also reflective, helping to keep buildings cool during warmer months and reducing the need for air conditioning.

Solar roofs integrate solar panels into the roof structure, allowing businesses to generate their own electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This not only cuts down on energy costs but also contributes to a greener environment.

Solar panels can be a significant investment, but the long-term savings and environmental benefits make them worthwhile.

Cool roofs are designed with light-coloured membranes that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofing materials. By adopting cool roofs, buildings can maintain lower indoor temperatures, reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering electricity bills.

This approach also helps mitigate the urban heat island effect, making it a practical and eco-friendly roofing choice.

RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Integrating renewable energy solutions into commercial roofing systems is a forward-thinking approach to reducing energy consumption and reliance on fossil fuels.

Solar panels are a popular choice for many businesses, as they can be installed on rooftops or in solar gardens to generate electricity. By harnessing the sun’s power, businesses can significantly cut energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint.

Additionally, energy storage systems can be integrated into commercial roofing systems to store excess energy generated by renewable sources. This allows businesses to use stored energy during periods of high demand or when renewable energy generation is low, further reducing their reliance on the grid.

By adopting renewable energy solutions, businesses can take a proactive step towards sustainability and energy independence.

ENERGY-EFFICIENT ROOFING MATERIALS

Using energy-efficient roofing materials is a practical way to reduce energy consumption and lower energy costs for commercial properties.

Reflective coatings are one such material that can be applied to rooftops to reflect sunlight and heat. By reflecting more sunlight, these coatings help keep buildings cooler, reducing the need for air conditioning and mitigating the urban heat island effect.

High-quality Insulation is another crucial component of energy-efficient roofing. Proper insulation can significantly reduce heat transfer, keeping buildings warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

This not only enhances comfort for occupants but also reduces energy consumption and costs. Energy-efficient roofing materials can also be made from recycled materials, further reducing the environmental impact of commercial roofing.

By investing in energy-efficient roofing materials, businesses can create a more sustainable and cost-effective building. These materials not only contribute to energy savings but also support broader environmental goals, making them a smart choice for any commercial property.

SUSTAINABLE ROOFING MATERIALS

Sustainable roofing materials are an excellent choice for businesses looking to reduce the environmental impact of their commercial roofing projects. Recycled metal roofs are a prime example of sustainable roofing materials.

Made from recycled content, these roofs offer long-lasting durability and can be recycled again at the end of their lifespan, minimising waste and conserving resources.

Reclaimed wood roofs are another sustainable option that offers a unique aesthetic appeal. Using reclaimed wood not only gives a second life to materials that would otherwise go to waste but also adds a distinctive character to the building. Like recycled metal roofs, reclaimed wood roofs can be recycled at the end of their lifespan, making them an eco-friendly choice.

Sourcing sustainable roofing materials locally is another important consideration. By choosing locally sourced materials, businesses can reduce transportation costs and the associated environmental impact.

This practice supports local economies and reduces the carbon footprint of the roofing project. Overall, sustainable roofing materials offer a responsible and environmentally friendly approach to commercial roofing.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR FOR GREEN ROOFING SYSTEMS

At Profile Industrial Roofing, we have over 25 years of hands-on experience managing projects from survey through to completion. We rigorously vet our suppliers to ensure they are actively working towards net-zero emissions and are committed to investing in environmental best practices.

Our fully trained and experienced sales professionals can assess your roof and recommend the best course of action.

For example, we recently replaced a roof for Turner Bianca in Oldham. Following a site survey by our technical surveyor, it was decided the best solution was a fully built-up flat roofing (BUR) system. The flat roof was designed to be solar-ready, allowing Turner Bianca to easily integrate solar panels in the future.

The project involved cleaning and preparing the roof area. Then we installed a Sopratherm G 50 mm power deck thermal insulation board, further enhancing energy efficiency.

A bituminous primer, followed by a layer of Polyglass 3kg torch on polyester glass fibre, topped off by a Polyglass 4.5kg SBS Polyester green mineral roofing felt, was applied to achieve a waterproof and durable finish.

To learn more about Profile Industrial Roofing and how we can help with your roof refurbishment project, please call the team.