"Durability - A Key Component to Ecologically Responsible Roofing," by Eric Olson, High-Profile Monthly, August 2010
The mention of a "sustainable" or "green" roof conjures images of rooftops covered with photovoltaic panels, highly reflective roof membrane, or heavily planted vegetative roof surfaces intended to reduce environmental impact by reducing building energy loads, reducing urban heat-island effects, and retaining storm-water runoff. While the environmental benefit of such roofs is self-evident, a key component of an ecologically responsible roof - durability - is often overlooked. Durable roofs provide long-term performance, reducing the frequency of roof replacement and quantity of resources used and wasted to manufacture and install a new roof.