Sustainability News
New Roofing Alliance Report Charts Resiliency, Sustainability
A review of 243 studies and industry surveys found shared priorities like recycling and long-life materials; the work also helped launch a new sustainability course at Clemson University.

Roofing Alliance
The Roofing Alliance has released a comprehensive Sustainability and Resiliency Study that takes a data-driven look at how manufacturers, distributors and contractors define—and put into practice—sustainability and resiliency, identifying shared priorities like recycling and roof longevity while spotlighting gaps and opportunities for better alignment across the industry.
Researchers began by reviewing 243 peer-reviewed articles, identifying 78 sustainability factors and 28 resiliency factors, organized into LEED-aligned categories and core resiliency themes. Through surveys and interviews with manufacturers, distributors, and contractors, the research revealed strong alignment across all groups.
With sustainability and resiliency now central to the industry’s future, the study offers the evidence-based assessment needed to identify shared priorities, gaps and opportunities for alignment. Top sustainability priorities identified included recycling, long-lasting materials and heating/cooling load considerations, while resiliency priorities centered on longevity, rapid recovery and maintaining critical functions.
A major outcome of the study is the development of a new sustainability course that debuted at Clemson University this fall and will be part of Clemson’s forthcoming Roofing Minor. The four-course program—Roofing Fundamentals, Roofing Management, Roofing Business Principles and Leadership, and Sustainable Roofing Practices—fulfills a seven-year vision realized through the Roofing Alliance’s leadership and investment.
“This study gives the roofing industry a clear, research-driven understanding of where we stand today and where we are headed in this arena. And the addition of this new sustainability course strengthens our long-term commitment to preparing the next generation of roofing professionals,” said Greg Hudson, Roofing Alliance president.
The Roofing Alliance encourages industry professionals to explore the full report and consider joining the Roofing Alliance to support continued research, education, workforce development, and philanthropic initiatives.
The full Sustainability and Resiliency Study is now available for purchase in the NRCA Bookstore.
With sustainability and resiliency now central to the industry’s future, the study offers the evidence-based assessment needed to identify shared priorities, gaps and opportunities for alignment. Top sustainability priorities identified included recycling, long-lasting materials and heating/cooling load considerations, while resiliency priorities centered on longevity, rapid recovery and maintaining critical functions.
A major outcome of the study is the development of a new sustainability course that debuted at Clemson University this fall and will be part of Clemson’s forthcoming Roofing Minor. The four-course program—Roofing Fundamentals, Roofing Management, Roofing Business Principles and Leadership, and Sustainable Roofing Practices—fulfills a seven-year vision realized through the Roofing Alliance’s leadership and investment.
RELATED: Partnerships Power Growth in Shingle Recycling
“This study gives the roofing industry a clear, research-driven understanding of where we stand today and where we are headed in this arena. And the addition of this new sustainability course strengthens our long-term commitment to preparing the next generation of roofing professionals,” said Greg Hudson, Roofing Alliance president.
The Roofing Alliance encourages industry professionals to explore the full report and consider joining the Roofing Alliance to support continued research, education, workforce development, and philanthropic initiatives.
The full Sustainability and Resiliency Study is now available for purchase in the NRCA Bookstore.
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