Consumer and regulatory demand for sustainable buildings and sustainable roofing is growing every year. For example, in California, businesses with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion are required to publicly report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks. Additionally, many federal and state projects are now prioritizing low embodied carbon products and requiring green building certification.
The good news is that investing in sustainable features, such as a sustainable roofing, can yield both environmental and financial advantages. Increased property value and a positive brand image are among the benefits that building owners and developers can achieve by investing in sustainability. It's a business decision that can benefit everyone, including occupants, owners, and the planet.
The Financial Benefits of Sustainable Roofing
By looking beyond the short-term costs of installing a sustainable roof, building owners can leverage their sustainable choices to improve their bottom line. Here's a closer look at the financial benefits that can be achieved through sustainable design.
A Forward-Looking Investment
By implementing sustainable roofing design features, such as insulation and lighter-colored roofing membranes, owners can reduce their energy and maintenance costs.
For example, installing sufficient roofing insulation, such as GAF EnergyGuard™ NH Polyiso Insulation, can impact energy efficiency, potentially reducing overall heating and cooling costs by contributing to reduced HVAC equipment run times.
In addition, light-colored roofing materials, like GAF EverGuard® TPO and PVC membranes, can reflect more sunlight and absorb less energy than darker membranes. White roofs stay cooler in the hot summer months, which can help reduce cooling costs and energy consumption. You can also improve building performance by using reflective roofing materials. In addition to the commonly recognized single-ply membranes, asphaltic membranes and roof coatings also have highly reflective options.
Increased Property Value
According to a study by Dodge Construction Network, owners and investors report that building asset values increase by more than 9% due to investments in green buildings: new, renovations, and retrofits. More than 90% of owners, investors, architects, and engineers have consistently reported that they believe their new green buildings have higher asset values than traditional buildings. Additionally, 98% of owners and investors who conducted a green renovation or retrofit project expected it to increase the value of their building or asset.
With higher building values and the attraction of sustainable buildings comes the opportunity to ask for higher rents and lease payments. Over time, this can lead to increased cash flow, higher income, and more profits for building owners.
Government Incentives
The government, at both the federal and state levels, offers a variety of incentives for improving the sustainability of existing buildings. They range from tax incentives for energy efficiency measures to grants, rebates, and low-cost loans for other green building initiatives.
Improving the sustainability of a building's roof can contribute to efforts to meet the requirements of these various incentives and funding alternatives. Check for availability in your area.
Better Brand Image
Investing in sustainability can enhance a company's image and demonstrate its commitment to the environment and its tenants.
According to Dodge Construction Network, consumers are increasingly focused on using sustainable products, including the buildings they inhabit for both home and work. As sustainability continues to grow in importance among modern consumers, it can be a significant measure to increase sales, profits, and occupancy.
Higher Tenant Satisfaction
Features of sustainable buildings, such as improved air quality, increased natural lighting, and comfortable temperatures, can lead to higher tenant retention, higher employee output, and increased revenue, providing ongoing profitability for owners and developers.
GAF Can Help
GAF offers a range of roofing materials and accessories designed to help you achieve your sustainability goals. Our wide range of sustainable roofing products has been engineered to provide long-term, durable protection. They can minimize waste by maximizing the reuse and recycling of materials, increase occupant comfort and energy efficiency through insulation and airtightness. Additionally, we offer third-party product transparency documentation to give you peace of mind in the materials you are putting on your building and to help contribute to green building certifications.
Together, we can help you make an investment that will continue to pay off well into the future.
Curious to see if sustainable roofing is the right investment for you? Download the GAF Commercial Guide to Sustainable Building.
