The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has developed the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system to aid in choosing products and services based on environmental attributes having minimum negative impact on occupants and the environment. An organization’s participation in the LEED process demonstrates leadership, innovation, and social responsibility. Choosing to install a Polyurethane Foam roofing system by SCI will assist you in reaching your goals of being environmentally responsible, and help you obtain LEED points toward your green certification. Strategies are aimed at achieving high performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. LEED certified buildings are designed to:
- Lower operating costs
- Increase asset value
- Reduce waste sent to landfills
- Conserve energy and water
- Be healthier and safer for occupants
- Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
- Qualify for incentives such as rebates
Green roofing projects installed by SCI Roof can deliver between seven and eleven LEED points depending on the projects scope and material use, addressing the following areas:
Sustainability: SPF roofs by SCI have a very high degree of sustainability. Properly maintained with periodic recoating, these systems have an indefinite life expectancy, and could be the last roof needed to be installed on your home or building.
Energy efficiency: Polyurethane has the highest R value in the market today. At R6.5 to R7 per inch, it is the most efficient form of thermal insulation available. Applied to the roof top alone, an SPF system will reduce the temperature in the attic by nearly thirty degrees. As a result of the added insulation, the system will usually pay for itself in five years in energy savings.
Reducing the heat island effect: The heat island effect is defined as a higher temperature “dome “ created over an urban or industrial area, by hot air layers forming at building tops. The use of highly durable and reflective white coating reduces the temperature of the roof by 40%, significantly contributing to the reduction of the heat island effect.
Recycled materials: Coatings used by SCI are solvent free (ultra-low VOC coating, eliminating atmospheric release of solvent) and utilize recycled EPDM roofing material for less environmental impact and carbon footprint.
Less land fill burden: SPF that is properly maintained can last the life of the building. In addition, it is usually applied directly over the existing substrate, as opposed to tearing off and re-roofing. This helps to lessen the burden on our landfills
No toxins or pollutants: Polyurethane Foam contains no asbestos, mercury, lead, or formaldehyde, thereby protecting you from harmful health effects.
Green Buildings create healthy environments while saving energy, resources, and money. This is good news for building owners and facility managers, as green buildings help lower operating costs, and increase the buildings’ value. Many times, incentives and grants are available to construction projects implementing LEED guidelines. In fact, FPL recognizes the significant insulating properties of an SPF roofing system by SCI Roof and offers rebates on projects that qualify through their FPL Building Envelope Program.