Environmental impacts - Articles - Page 2

Guest Column

MRA Weighs in on Cool Roof Debate

Cities, states find cool roofs make a major difference, says MRA

July 3, 2025

The Metal Roofing Alliance offers its thoughts on the efficacy of cool roofs as disputes heat up over whether cities and states should mandate them.

David-L.-Lawrence-Convention-Center-DLCC-Green-SBS-Teranap-Parapro-Pavers-roof-3

Sustainability

Study Shows Green Roofs Can Capture Microplastics

Green roofs can draw out nearly 98% of microplastics from the air

Chris Gray

July 1, 2025

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A study out of China shows that green roofs can capture nearly 98% of airborne microplastics, a ubiquitous pollutant that can cause health problems.

Cool Roofs

The Battle Over Cool Roofs Heats Up Following Tennessee Rollbacks

Industry experts question the viability of cool roof mandates while critics claim they're support "dark roof" lobbying efforts

Chris Gray

June 5, 2025

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The Tennessee legislature repealed its cool roof mandate, reigniting debate over energy efficiency and urban “heat island” effects. Critics cite industry influence, while experts advocate for policies grounded in climate science.

April 2025 Product Focus: Green/Vegetative Roofing

Roofing Contractor Staff

April 8, 2025

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Green, sustainable, and visually striking, vegetative roofing—also known as green roofing—is transforming rooftops into thriving, eco-friendly ecosystems. By incorporating living plants into roof systems, these innovative solutions not only enhance building aesthetics but also deliver tangible benefits like improved insulation, stormwater management, and extended roof lifespan.

HD polyiso cover boards enhance roof durability, thermal performance and installation efficiency.

Guest Essay

HD Polyiso Cover Boards: High-Density for Superior Roof Protection

Advantages for maximizing roof protection and performance

Justin Koscher

February 7, 2025

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Want to know about cover boards, or expand your understanding of their role in roofing? Learn from Justin Koscher, PIMA's president, about how cover boards with insulation can save time and money on the job.

A man in a hard hat examines a garden roof

Building a Sustainable Future for Commercial Roofing

In 2025, building owners, specifiers, and contractors are looking for solutions that deliver multiple benefits while meeting increasingly complex project requirements.

Tim Kersey

November 27, 2024

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SOPREMA CEO Tim Kersey breaks down recent advancements in sustainable roofing products and shares his comprehensive approach to address future challenges.

A picture of the steamer Alpena turning coming to port on the Detroit River.

Environmental News

Holcim and Detroit’s Port Authority Win Grant to Improve Air Quality

Grant is from the EPA's Clean Ports Program

Roofing Contractor Staff

November 6, 2024

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Holcim and the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority received a U.S. EPA Clean Ports grant to support zero-emission tech at Detroit Port, funding electric equipment and solar arrays for decarbonization.