Environmental impacts - Articles - Page 2

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

3 Comments

The Tennessee legislature repealed its cool roof mandate, reigniting debate over energy efficiency and urban “heat island” effects.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.

Solar Special Section

New Report Shows Rooftop Solar More Efficient and Affordable

Solar panels are becoming more efficient, meaning the potential for roofing contractors to be successful solar installers is rising

Chris Gray

November 4, 2024

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New efficiencies and less space taken on rooftops mean roofing contractors looking to sell solar may see more success in the years ahead.

The new vertical solar array at the Vaisala Headquarters

Solar Special Section

Project Profile: Vaisala's Colorado Headquarters Reaches New Heights

Customer sought an aesthetically pleasing, lightweight, and wind-resistant solution for vertically mounting its solar array

November 4, 2024

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A Colorado-based facility achieves above-average sustainability without compromising design ethos, thanks to S-5! Solar attachment solutions.

How to Expand Your Roofing Business by Adding Solar

Roofing contractors looking to add solar installations to their service offerings may not realize they’re already halfway there.

Aaron Robbins

October 21, 2024

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Aaron Robbins of QuickBOLT says the benefits of adding solar installations to a roofer’s repertoire are already within reach.

Work boots belonging to 2 roofing professionals are visible as sealant is applied to a commercial roof

The Facts About PVC Roofing Part I

While PVC remains a popular choice among design professionals, it may be the one system roofing contractors know the least about

Tony Viera

September 16, 2024

7 Comments

The experts at Mule-Hide Products are bridging the information gap about PVC roofing for roofing contractors in this two-part series.

Sustainability

Carlisle Introduces Bio-Based Polyiso Eco Rigid Foam Insulation

Roofing Contractor Staff

August 14, 2024

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The new rigid foam insulation from Carlisle Construction Materials comprises 5% bio-circular content derived from renewable raw materials, which contributes to reducing reliance on fossil resources.