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Abstract
In 2005, the Swiss environmental consultants Carbotech AG, completed a comparative life-cycle analysis of roofing assemblies based on the five most commonly used North American low slope membrane types. The analysis was done on a cradle-to-grave basis, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) TRACI methodology, and considered impacts related to non-renewable primary energy, global warming, acidification, and photochemical smog. Across assemblies incorporating the same insulation (polyisocyanurate), the mechanically attached polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roof system analyzed was found to have the lowest environmental impact in each of the categories considered, based primarily on their long life expectancy, low raw material (particularly non-renewable materials) consumption, and contribution to energy savings as a result of their high solar reflectivity and emmissivity. The study’s authors went on to note that the membrane’s environmental impact could be further improved with an increase in product recycling, specifically with regards to post-consumer recycling, citing European programs as an example.
In 2005, the Swiss environmental consultants Carbotech AG, completed a comparative life-cycle analysis of roofing assemblies based on the five most commonly used North American low slope membrane types. The analysis was done on a cradle-to-grave basis, using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) TRACI methodology, and considered impacts related to non-renewable primary energy, global warming, acidification, and photochemical smog. Across assemblies incorporating the same insulation (polyisocyanurate), the mechanically attached polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roof system analyzed was found to have the lowest environmental impact in each of the categories considered, based primarily on their long life expectancy, low raw material (particularly non-renewable materials) consumption, and contribution to energy savings as a result of their high solar reflectivity and emmissivity. The study’s authors went on to note that the membrane’s environmental impact could be further improved with an increase in product recycling, specifically with regards to post-consumer recycling, citing European programs as an example.
Date
4/2009
4/2009
Author(s)
S. Graveline
S. Graveline
Page(s)
79-90
79-90
Keyword(s)
service life; recycling; low slope material
service life; recycling; low slope material