Our position
What sustainability means in single ply roofing
Sustainability in single ply roofing covers environmental, economic and social factors. The key environmental issues for our sector fall into production, performance in service, durability, carbon and end of life — and SPRA is working on all of them.
Production
All single ply membranes are produced from oil, with the addition of a significant proportion — up to 60% by weight — of inorganic constituents, which improve stability, fire resistance and UV resistance, and aid installation.
The primary energy source in manufacture is electricity, and many European manufacturers now obtain theirs from renewable sources including hydro-electric generation. The energy used for extraction, processing and manufacture is included in Life Cycle Assessment.
During service
Improved formulation has almost eliminated this as a concern. Details of in-service environmental performance can be found in the environmental impact certification issued by SPRA membrane manufacturers.
Durability
Durability is a product characteristic. Experience in mainland Europe goes back to the 1950s and in the UK to the 1970s, so we know durability is proven — and extending, as new formulations are developed.
Service life depends on workmanship, and on the obligation of building owners to inspect and maintain roofs. That is why SPRA puts such a high priority on training and site quality control.
Carbon reduction
Carbon reduction is fundamental to sustainability, because it secures not only the environmental but also the social and economic future of society.
End of life
Single ply membranes are recyclable, and the opportunities for recovery and recycling have increased as volumes have increased.
Polymer waste is a high value commodity with many re-uses. SPRA policy is to reduce disposal to landfill to zero. Ultimately the carbon content can be recovered by high temperature incineration.
Research and development
Leading the way in roofing
SPRA is actively addressing sustainability in our sector and is leading the way within roofing.
Phase 1 — complete
A research exercise among members to establish the potential for a collection and recycling scheme for single ply roofing waste. Axion Consulting was commissioned by SPRA to investigate the potential volumes of single ply roofing waste, establish current waste management practices within the sector, and gauge the interest of roofing manufacturers and contractors in a collection and recycling scheme being set up.
Phase 2 — complete
A research project to establish a robust data collection system, so the sector can measure what it produces, recovers and recycles.
Zero to landfill
Reducing disposal to landfill to zero is SPRA policy. If your business handles single ply waste and wants to be part of the next phase, we would like to hear from you.
