In recent years, high-quality structures and roofing solutions aren’t enough to be considered sustainable or environmentally responsible. Instead, they must align with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) guidelines.
While there are many different practices for reducing carbon footprint, achieving LEED certification is highly recommended. It ensures energy efficiency, resource conservation, and minimal long-term environmental impact.
This article explores the complexities of this certification and the best practices for achieving this.
What is LEED Certification and Why Does It Matter?
Many different practices mention and ensure sustainability. However, just because someone says their building or strategies are eco-friendly and sustainable doesn’t guarantee that.
Here’s where building certifications step up. While LEED certification isn’t mandatory, it’s a globally recognized standard for green building design, construction, and operation.
It’s managed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and it evaluates buildings based on criteria such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality.
All aspects of the building are evaluated, and proper roofing, one of the most important parts, is essential for achieving this certification. While this certification can improve a business’s reputation and lower expenses, it also brings many other benefits.
Most importantly, adhering to this standard ensures that the building minimizes environmental harm and reduces resource consumption and emissions. In the long run, buildings certified by this standard have enhanced energy and water efficiency. Over decades, this can save a lot on expenses.
Furthermore, LEED-certified buildings increase property value. Depending on the type of real estate, they can also attract environmentally conscious clients, businesses, and investors. These buildings also offer improved occupant well-being, as they have better air quality and natural lighting.
For businesses that work on LEED-certified projects, subsidies can be received from the government.
How Roofing Contributes to LEED Certification
Roofing systems are critical to meeting LEED requirements. The benefits mentioned before can be reaped just because of proper roofing systems. Key contributions to that include:
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Reflecting solar heat to reduce cooling loads.
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Supporting green infrastructure for water management.
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Generating renewable energy through solar panel integration.
Besides this, roofing systems are essential for ensuring safety and overall aesthetics for commercial buildings.
3 Types of Roofing Systems Suitable for LEED Certification
Although there are many ways to achieve a sustainable roofing system, these three types are eligible for a LEED-certified building.
Green Roofing Systems
Green roofs feature vegetation layers. While these layers make the building stand out and look better, they also provide several practical benefits. For example, they provide the building with insulation and manage stormwater.
The real benefit of a green roofing system can be seen in an urban environment with little green infrastructure and plants.
Cool Roofing Systems
Another excellent option for urban environments is the cool roofing system. Tall buildings are often directly exposed to the sun, increasing air conditioning costs and discomfort for the occupants.
Cool roofing systems implement reflective materials to mitigate the heat island effect by reducing solar heat absorption.
Solar-Integrated Roofs
One of the most critical sustainable practices is the use of renewable energy. Solar-integrated roofs provide electrical energy to buildings. Implementing this roof optimizes space and is suitable for buildings with constant sun exposure.
Best Practices for Incorporating Roofing into LEED Strategies
Before the roofing company starts the project, it’s best to analyze the environment in which this building will be. For example, green roofing systems are great for urban environments, but a cool roofing system is better if the local temperature is too high.
Once all design considerations are taken into account, choosing a durable material with a low environmental impact is also essential. Long-lasting, low-maintenance options are best.
Depending on the roofing system option you’ve chosen, you should either develop a maintenance plan to ensure vegetation health on green roofs or regularly inspect cool and solar-integrated roofs for damage or performance issues.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing LEED-Certified Roofing
As mentioned numerous times, LEED-certified buildings and roofing offers many benefits. However, acquiring this certification comes with challenges.
LEED-certified roofing systems can have much higher initial costs than traditional roofing options. This can turn away many investors, but there are also many tax incentives, grants, and energy savings to offset costs.
Another factor contributing to higher costs is the complexity of LEED-certified roofing options. Finding the proper personnel to help you with this can be time-consuming. Furthermore, implementing LEED-certified roofing systems in existing buildings can be challenging.
In the long run, these roofing systems require ongoing upkeep. Partnering with companies specializing in solar panels and green roofs can streamline the process of maintaining them.
Conclusion
Commercial buildings that satisfy the qualifications for LEED have many benefits. While some benefits impact the business directly, such as lowered costs, others are more abstract yet just as important.
In the long run, focusing on sustainable and eco-friendly real estate practices can give the business a competitive edge and attract the right people.
However, picking the proper roofing systems and considering the different practices associated with incorporating LEED-certified roofing is essential.
