Cradle to Cradle Flat Roofing Design

AS PART of the UK government’s strategy set out last year to achieve net zero in the built environment – meaning the amount of carbon emissions associated with a building’s usage and construction stages must equal zero or negative – working to achieve this has become a top priority for specifiers as well as suppliers.

The importance of early engagement with supply chains during building design has never been so important, especially when developing ethical and sustainable specifications to incorporate Cradle to Cradle (C2C) strategy.

C2C unites many principles beyond simple material reuse – these include everything from safe sourcing to renewable energy usage and social fairness. But how can architects and specifiers apply this thinking when it comes to flat roofing design?

Product Selection

Thinking differently about products during roofing specification, and working collaboratively with the supply chain, can pay dividends when trying to achieve sustainability goals.

Working closely with an experienced and accredited manufacturer from the outset and selecting the most suitable materials for the roofing project, is paramount. As an expert in manufacturing waterproofing, insulation, and soundproofing solutions, Soprema has been making great strides in sustainability for some time.

Cradle to Cradle Certification

In the mission to achieve greener credentials, it’s advisable for architects to select manufacturers who create products awarded with Cradle to Cradle certifications, like Soprema’s DuO HT 4 AGR/F C180 FC membrane awarded a bronze certificate by the Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute, which recognises products worldwide as a preferred material standard for responsible purchasing.

Before a product obtains its certificate, it has to pass a series of thorough investigations, undertaken by the ‘jury’ of the Institute. Five specific performance categories are considered for the certification, which aims to encourage more manufacturers to improve environmental efforts, including material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness.

Soprema has received the certificate for six of its products, one being its bituminous membrane solution suitable for a flat roof specification, with circular economy goals at the core.

Bituminous Membranes

Early engagement with supply chains will ensure the best ethical and environmental specifications are developed, while also creating a robust and durable solution. During the design stage, roofing material characteristics, qualities and build-up all impact sustainability goals.

Soprema’s range of bituminous flat roofing products fit the bill when it comes to cradle-to-cradle specification. Our DuO HT 4 AGR/F C180 FC – a bituminous membrane solution – is comprised of a double bitumen coating with fire-retardant additives and a composite polyester reinforcement. The plastomer modified bitumen (TPO) upper side has a high mechanical resistance and is UV-resistant, whilst the elastomer modified bitumen lower side and the overlap ensures excellent adhesion.

Products like this are often specified in roofing as an upper layer within a single or multi-layer waterproofing system, where fire retardant properties are required. In Soprema’s case, the upper surface is finished with granules and the overlap is protected by a thermofusible film; the lower surface is also protected by a thermofusible film. This solution is BBA certified.

But it’s not just certifications that architects and contractors need to look out for. C2C accreditations, for example, are just one element of a broader framework of efforts that manufacturers should undertake to help improve sustainability.

Quality Specification

When it comes to responsible sourcing, using products made from recycled materials is also important. Soprema’s XPS recyclable insulation, for example, is produced from recycled polystyrene with climate-friendly CO₂ technology.

In addition, Soprema also offers natural insulation materials – such as Pavatex – made from wood residues from sawmills, which reduces environmental impact and offers a more sustainable insulation alternative. Soprema also collects unused or old bitumen roofing membranes to recycle into new roofing products, and asphalt for the roads.

Manufacturers should be looking at the wider impact of their material on the health of other organisms, too, ensuring it does not contain hazardous chemicals such as heavy metals. Of course, this is not achievable with all construction products, but bituminous membrane solutions provided by Soprema for flat roofing design do comply.

During design stages, architects should also consider the product circularity; is it reusable and can it be part of a closed chain? Product manufacturers also need to provide information on how much CO₂ their products emit through the production process, as well as the company’s commitment to clean air policies. Water consumption during product manufacture is also a key factor in achieving C2C goals.

Employee working conditions and well-being also contribute to sustainability goals, perhaps surprisingly to some specifiers. For example, Soprema’s relationships with customers, suppliers and employees are characterised by integrity and respect. The company says it is responsible for all aspects of safety regulations in everything it does, whilst providing workplace opportunities for employees to grow and excel. This creates a happy and inspired workforce and improves staff morale, which delivers better customer service as a result.

A Greener Outlook

When specifying products, aside from the appropriate C2C accreditations, BBA approvals and adherence to mandatory testing, it’s also advisable for specifiers and contractors to look outside the box and consider the manufacturer as a whole when adhering to circular economy principles.

For example, Soprema is a member of key trade associations such as the Liquid Roofing and Waterproofing Association (LRWA) and National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) which hold extremely strict membership criteria so that the highest standards are continually being met within roofing and the wider construction industry.

Sustainability has been a hot topic for some time, but that doesn’t mean its importance is dwindling. With the target to achieve net zero in carbon emissions by 2050 outlined last year, partnering with an experienced and trusted manufacturer is one step that specifiers can take towards a sound and sustainable product selection, which will benefit the building landscape for many years to come.

>> Read more about Soprema in the news