Green Design in Roofing

US Energy Secretary suggests we Paint the World White
Sustainability and green design is one of the largest emerging trends driving change in the roofing industry today.  In fact, United States Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu recently made an announcement suggesting "painting the world white" as a viable option for green roofing systems, one of many systems available to assist in decreasing the world's carbon emissions.

Sustainability and Green Design Trends in the Roofing Industry
Ducker Worldwide, a business-to-business market research and consulting company based in Troy, Michigan has conducted thousands of interviews with the construction value chain over the past few years, assisting major building material companies with their "green" strategy and positioning.  Data obtained validates several hypotheses:

  • Sustainability and green design is one of the largest emerging trends impacting the roofing market
  • The move toward more energy efficient systems is real – this is the single most important element of "green" according to the roofing value chain
  • The most significant impact is the difference in design and use of alternative materials
    • Higher r-value insulation
    • Cool roofing materials
    • Garden roofing systems
    • Integrated solar roofing systems

Green Building and Construction Trends
The use of these green roofing systems has become increasingly important in the last 10 years.  In 2008, it was estimated that less than 10% of roofing project were constructed with green materials/systems, however; by 2013 this number is expected to triple. 

When assessing the "core" nonresidential low slope roofing materials (such as BUR, modified bitumen, metal, EPDM and specialty single ply) between 2002 and 2007, the bituminous product segment experienced a 5% decline (CAGR), metal increased 6% and the EPDM segment remained fairly flat.  In the same time frame, specialty single ply had double digit growth at 11% (primarily TPO) driven by heat welded seams, but also the importance of energy efficiency.   Architects and contractors have also noticed the same trend on the nonresidential side.  Within the residential sector, metal, tile and composite materials have been most impacted by green building. 

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, an industry association, reported that in North America, total garden roof square footage grew 30 percent alone in 2007.  Though garden roofs and integrated solar roofing systems are still in their infancy, Ducker expects continued momentum, particularly as system costs become more competitive. 

Perspectives on Green Roofing from Architects, General Contractors, Roofing Contractors, and Builders
Although within the current market there are several green roofing systems and products to choose from for both residential and nonresidential buildings it is interesting to note that perception does not seem to vary among architects, general contractors, roofing contractors, and builders as it relates to the move towards energy efficient systems.

  • Over three-quarters of respondents have seen growth in green roofing practices in the past five years and 100 percent believe growth will continue through the next five years. 
  • Nearly 40% of Ducker Worldwide's sample reported that the green movement has affected their business.  The majority of respondents, an overwhelming 81%, specified using different systems now, and 23% commented that they are marketing themselves differently due to the continual shift towards green roofing.

Roofing Value Chain
As green/sustainability becomes increasingly important, the roofing value chain must adapt their product and service offering to remain competitive.  We are already starting to see this take place.  The shift to more environmentally friendly, energy efficient roofing systems will continue to upgrade the quality of the materials/ systems used, as well as the contractors installing them and ultimately, the longevity of the roof, likely leading to an increase in the volume and value of reroofing projects.

For more information on Ducker Worldwide's residential and nonresidential roofing industry research and consulting services, expert team and how Ducker Worldwide can help you master your market, please contact one of our team members at 877-538-2537 or email us at info@ducker.com.

You may also have interest in:

Cool Roofing Materials
Garden Roofing Systems
Solar Roofing Systems