Energy efficiency, longevity and durability are the most common topics when the roofing industry discusses environmentally friendly roof systems. But let’s not forget about other important items like materials (reuse, recycling) and water conservation. Clean water is something most people in the United States take for granted. We turn on the faucet and clean, drinkable water comes out. drinkable water comes out. So why discuss water in conjunction with roofs? Because roofs can contribute to water conservation and water cleanliness.
A building owner is able to use large amounts of water, and the local water utility will provide that water — but for a price. The water utility needs to filter and clean the water that is used at residential, industrial and commercial buildings. Filtering and cleaning water uses energy and costs money, and the costs are passed on to building owners. Another side of the water discussion is storm water that leaves a site. Many cities and towns charge a storm water fee, which is based on quantity. This is often the case in older cities that have old sewer systems, or combined sewer and storm water systems.