Learn more about how asphalt roofing contributes to energy efficient and sustainable building practices.
Over the past century, asphalt roofing manufacturers have used research and technology to improve the aesthetics, durability, versatility, and performance of asphalt products and address specific roofing issues. Asphalt shingle, modified bitumen, and built-up roofing (BUR) systems provide superior protection for any building. Although these products are very durable, eventually the roof will need to be replaced, and thankfully landfill is not necessarily the only option. In many regions, the asphalt and other components of asphalt roofing products can be reclaimed and repurposed into other functional uses including dust suppression, energy recovery, and most commonly in asphalt pavement.
In May 2022, the ARMA Board of Directors announced that it has adopted a position on the recycling of asphalt roofing materials, specifically “The industry aspires to reduce landfill disposal of asphalt-based roofing materials to 50% by 2035 and to approach 0% by 2050.” To accomplish these goals, ARMA will foster and promote responsible, economically feasible, and sustainable circular economy options to recycle asphalt-based roofing materials and enhance the long-term viability of asphalt roofing as the preferred roofing material.
Recycling
Asphalt Shingle Recycling
Asphalt shingle recycling is cost-competitive, convenient where available and saves valuable resources from being sent to landfills. Recycled shingles are most commonly reused in pavement, which offsets the need for newly processed asphalt, and additional uses are being explored. Asphalt shingle recycling creates jobs for recycling locations and reduces costs for paving. Recycling shingles also allows homeowners to feel good knowing that their used shingles are not ending up in a landfill.
While use in public and private asphalt pavement projects is the most common and most well-developed recycling option for shingles, true product circularity – using old shingles in the production of new shingles – is being actively researched by various ARMA shingle manufacturers. To learn more on the latest regarding these innovative technology developments, consult individual ARMA member company websites via the ARMA Member Directory.
Low-Slope Asphalt Roofing Recycling
Low slope text…
To learn more on the latest regarding these innovative technology developments, consult individual ARMA member company websites via the ARMA Member Directory.
This infographic illustrates the asphalt shingle recycling process and its benefits to the environment.
ARMA Cool Roofing Goals are to:
- Provide effective solutions that allow options, flexibility and choice
- Ensure fair and technically sound criteria and presentation for our products
- Maintain consumer choice
Codes and Standards:
- ASHRAE 90.1 Addendum F
- ASHRAE 189.1
- California Title 24, Part 6
- CALGreen
- International Green Construction Code
- USGBC LEED
Cool Roofing
ARMA views roof surface reflectance as but one component of the Whole Building Envelope Approach as an appropriate regulatory policy and design principle for energy conservation, mitigation of urban heat islands, and improved air quality. The Whole Building Envelope Approach is the best option for designing and optimizing performance-based, proven and cost effective commercial and residential buildings. It allows flexibility and consumer choice in the selection of roof systems.
The 2019 California Building Energy Efficiency Standard for Residential and Nonresidential Buildings (2019 Title 24)is the official code passed by the state and the 2019 Residential and Nonresidential Compliance Manuals are guidance document that helps explain the code and answers some commonly asked questions.
The 2019 Title 24, Part 6 Standards are broken down into two segments, Residential and Non-Residential. Title 24, Part 6 of California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standard is the section of the code relevant to the roofing industry as it includes performance and prescriptive requirements pertaining to roof assemblies.
The 2019 Title 24 Code and Compliance Manuals are available on the California Energy Commissions website at: https://www.energy.ca.gov/programs-and-topics/programs/building-energy-efficiency-standards/2019-building-energy-efficiency.
ARMA Cool Roof White Papers
Additional Information
Environmental Information
Product Category Rules
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA) partnered with ASTM International to develop Product Category Rules (PCR) for asphalt roofing in North America. The asphalt roofing PCR provides consistent methodologies for asphalt roofing manufacturers to measure and report the expected environmental impact of their products. This document can be accessed for free on ASTM International’s website (www.astm.org/certification).
Environmental Product Declarations
ARMA has completed a multi-year effort to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for asphalt roofing systems. These eleven documents provide information that building and construction professionals can use both to support environmental aspects of roof systems as part of sustainable building projects and to better understand their impact over time. EPDs are now available for asphalt shingle roofing systems, SBS and APP modified bitumen systems, and built-up roofing systems.
Environmental Product Declarations
ARMA has completed a multi-year effort to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for asphalt roofing systems. These eleven documents provide information that building and construction professionals can use both to support environmental aspects of roof systems as part of sustainable building projects and to better understand their impact over time. EPDs are now available for asphalt shingle roofing systems, SBS and APP modified bitumen systems, and built-up roofing systems.
Click the links below to view each EPD:
EPDs are now available in French translation for asphalt shingle roofing systems, SBS and APP modified bitumen systems, and built-up roofing systems.
Click the links below to view each French Translated EPD:
