b'GreenwashingGo Green (but Carefully) By Trent CotneyGreenwashing is becoming more prevalent and leading to lawsuitsThefollowingarticleoriginallyEco-Friendly Roofing structionprojectsby2030.Zero appearedintheJuly2024issueofTheroofingindustryhaslongnet energy means a building must Professional Roofing magazine. Itrelied on traditional materials, suchconsume energy that is less than or isreprintedwithpermissionfromasasphaltshingles,thathavenotequal to the amount of renewable theNationalRoofingContrac- historicallybeenconsideredenvi- energy generated on-site.torsAssociation. ronmentally friendly. However, theTo accommodate these changes, Editorsnote:Thisarticleisforindustry has begun embracing sus-generaleducationalpurposesonlytainability and been motivated by amanufacturers have designed envi-and does not constitute legal advice. growing awareness of the environ- ronmentally friendly construction D uringthepastseveralmental effects of traditional roofingmaterials to minimize environmen-years,theconstructionmaterials, including their effects ontal effects while still offering energy industryhasexperiencedincreased temperatures, energy con- efficiency,durabilityandappeal-asignificantshiftsumption and waste. ingaesthetics.Someofthemost towardsustainabilitydrivenbyRegulationsandculturalpres- prevalent roofing examples include consumerdemandsrelatedtosure also have precipitated this shift. environmentalismandresourceFor example, New York City has setthefollowing:conservation.Thisshiftespeciallynew emissions standards for build-Solarroofing integrates isevidentintheroofingindustryings larger than 25,000 square feet.photovoltaiccellsinto whereinnovativematerialsandProperty owners must meet thoseroofingmaterials,enabling practices are being adopted to meetrequirementsinthecomingyearsbuildingstogenerate LEADERS IN ROOF demand. However, unsubstantiatedor face fines. In addition, Califor- electricityfromsunlight. VACUUM SALES claimsaboutsustainabilitycannia has enacted emissions standards harmcompaniesreputationsand,forbuildingsthatare50,000toSolar roofing materials reduce Call For A Quote ultimately, lead to costly lawsuits; this100,000 square feet. California alsothe need to use nonrenewable 651-398-3029 practiceisknownasgreenwashingrequires the benchmark of zero netsources and lower greenhouse emiroofvacs.com and should be avoided. energy for all new commercial con- gas emissions.22ONTARIO ROOFING NEWSISSUE 3 2024 THE ONLY SOURCE FOR PROFESSIONAL ICI ROOFING CONTRACTORS IN ONTARIO ORN'