Simply stated; "Any action, program, plan, product or material that reduces environmental impact". The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ encourages the adoption of sustainable green building practices. So what does this mean for building owners and homeowners when it comes to roofing? One of the things that we can do when it comes to buildings is to lower the effects of the Urban Heat Island.

The buildings, concrete, asphalt, and the human and industrial activity of urban areas have caused cities and suburbs to maintain higher temperatures than their surrounding countryside. The higher temperatures in urban heat islands increases air conditioning use and raises pollution levels. By reflecting the solar energy (heat) from your building or home reduces the demand for energy to cool and reduces the load on your air conditioning units, saving energy and money!

Installing a polyurethane foam roof system or an insulating cool roof coating will save energy, reduces air conditioning costs, reduces the carbon imprint and heat island effect. Installing a cool roof liquid membrane re-cycles the current roof, reduces land fill use and most products are environmentally friendly. Most have no toxic fumes and can qualify for LEED credits which may qualify for federal tax credits, rebates or energy credits from local utility companies. Take a pro-active approach to energy and environmental conservation.

Infrared Example- The building on the left had an ASTEC® Cool Roof installed over the existing roofing system, (re-cycled current roof- no land fill use). Infrared indicates the building on the left is cooler and the building on the right is radiating heat. Which building would have a lower energy bill?