The role of roofing systems in BREEAM and LEED assessment methods
A sustainable, environmentally-friendly approach to construction is increasingly becoming a key requirement today. "Green" buildings have become desirable and sound investments, as they are resilient to climate change and are engineered to benefit future generations. Architects, building owners and even their occupants are encouraged to take a more sustainable and cost-effective approach to improve the environmental credentials of buildings and, consequently, their market value.
In this context, green building rating systems such as BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and DGNB, among others, aim to reduce the negative effects of construction on the environment by promoting responsible design and use of resources. They cover a building’s environmental, social and economic sustainability performance, from the design and construction phase to operation and refurbishment.
BREEAM and LEED assessment methods are carried out by independent third parties who rate each building on various categories. These include energy and water use, health and wellbeing, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology and management processes.
A more active roof
Roofing systems play a vital role in green building rating programs. Besides their primary function of providing long term protection from the elements, they need to be easy to install and repair, versatile to adapt to future changes in the roof configuration and energy-efficient.
The choice of waterproofing membrane and type of roofing solution play therefore a crucial role. The installation of a solar or green roof -or even better, a combination of both- on top of the membrane greatly contributes to achieving high ratings.
Firestone Building Products is a strong BREEAM and LEED advocate. It offers roofing solutions which contribute to achieving both programs’ high rating levels by presenting many possibilities to build highly engineered roofing systems, each with specific sustainability benefits.
Firestone roofing systems also deliver a reliable and durable solution for green, solar and blue roofs, allowing roofs to get ‘activated’ and play a more social role, tackling the lack of space in urban areas and enhancing the social cohesion within communities.
For an overview of the standards set by both BREEAM and LEED, and how our roofing solutions contribute to reducing the environmental impact of your building and maximizing its value, please contact our roofing experts.
