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Many commercial building owners are moving away from traditional roofs and choosing energy efficient roofing systems. These have been improved over the past few years; they last longer and are more durable, so fears owners had in the past that these energy efficient roofs won't perform well are fading.
There are different energy efficient roofing options to choose from; find the one that is right for your building. Each one can offer significant benefits.
You have choices for your energy efficient roof. Each has advantages and considerations, but all will help you in reducing energy consumption compared to a conventional roof.
Solar roofing systems use photovoltaic panels to let you generate renewable energy for your building. Costs for solar roofs are going down, and they can be installed on a flat roof. They can last up to 35 years.
Green roofs can last as long as 50 years. They are also known as vegetative roofs, and use plants and greenery to provide shade, absorb heat, enhance insulation, and manage stormwater better. Green roofs also help prevent the urban heat island effect, a situation caused by traditional roofing systems which absorb heat, leading to higher temperatures during the day and limited cooling at night, as well as increased pollution levels.
Cool roofs use roofing materials with high solar reflectance to keep a building cooler. By reflecting heat on hot days, they reduce the need for an air conditioner. Cool roofing materials can make a significant difference in temperature regulation. Metal roofing or roofing materials with a cool roof coating are effective in providing the necessary reflective properties. If your existing roof is in good condition, you can just add a coating to it. Cool roofing systems can last up to 35 years.
Not only do air conditioning and heating costs add up for building owners, they have a negative impact on the environment. It is a strong contributor to climate change, causing more dramatic temperatures, leading to people needing air conditioning even more.
More and more, owners of commercial buildings are trying to do their part to reverse this cycle, and cool roofs, green roofs, and other solutions can help.
All efficient roofs can help reduce energy consumption for your commercial building, resulting in potential energy savings for you.
Solar roofing provides clean energy for you, while a green or cool roof solution reduces your dependence on a heating and cooling system. Your HVAC system can work more efficiently for better cost savings; in addition, since your HVAC doesn't have to work as hard, it won't wear out prematurely.
Having an energy efficient roof that reduces your needs for air conditioning, such as green or cool roofs, offers significant benefits. It cuts down on the energy needed to run your AC, but since most air conditioners use a refrigerant that creates emissions that are harmful to the ozone layer, it is also beneficial to the environment to avoid use of AC as much as possible. Not having to rely only on AC to cool a building can create a more even building temperature overall.
Air conditioned commercial buildings, combined with poor ventilation, are more likely to be associated with sick building syndrome complaints, where your tenants have fatigue, headaches, coughs, and other symptoms.
New energy efficient roofing systems last longer - up to or over 35 years if maintained properly. An energy efficient metal roof can last even longer.
Energy efficient roofs reduce the exposure to heat and UV rays, which cause roofing materials to deteriorate quickly, by cooling the roof, shading it from sun, or both.
In addition to saving you money on energy costs, these efficient roofs create a more comfortable environment for your tenants. Temperatures are kept more consistent, with insulation keeping buildings warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Efficient roofs help you avoid the hot or cool spots that appear when HVAC systems are overworked.
In an increasingly environmentally-conscious world, many businesses and individual tenants are demanding sustainability in all aspects; sustainable roofing systems and energy efficient roofs allow you to offer this to potential tenants. In competitive markets, being able to advertise sustainability efforts is critical.
An energy-efficient roofing solution is a worthwhile investment. If you are unable to commit to a brand new roof, a reflective coating or other solution is possible. For advice and guidance on roofing solutions, ABSI offers building envelope engineering services to help.
Naji Hassan, a renowned professional in Building Science and Engineering, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his field. Educated at Beirut Arab University and Harvard Business School Online, Hassan has honed his expertise in structural and municipal engineering, building science, and business management. As the President of Accent Building Sciences and an experienced Senior Project Manager, he has made significant strides in building envelope engineering, building condition assessments, and energy retrofit programs. His commitment to innovation and excellence is evident in his approach to large-scale project management and his active participation in industry organizations. Hassan is not only a leader in his field but also a prolific writer and thought leader. He regularly shares his insights and experiences through articles on LinkedIn, which can be found at LinkedIn Articles. Additionally, he maintains a blog where he delves deeper into various aspects of building science, accessible at Accent Building Sciences Blog. Outside of his professional pursuits, Hassan enjoys travel, golf, languages, gardening, and music, reflecting his diverse interests and well-rounded character. Naji Hassan's journey in building science and engineering is not just a career but a testament to his lifelong dedication to learning, teaching, and inspiring others in his field.
