Metal Roofs: Leading the Way Toward Energy Efficiency

When considering the impact the building and construction industry has on the environment in terms of energy consumed, greenhouse gases emitted, and waste generated, the numbers can seem staggering. In fact, the building and construction sector is responsible for 30 percent of total global final energy consumption and 27 percent of total energy sector greenhouse gas emissions, according to the International Energy Agency. As these numbers continue to rise each year, architects and building professionals have committed to prioritizing more sustainable building envelope practices, including adherence to the Living Building Challenge, LEED certifications, the 2030 Challenge, and more.

Within these sustainability programs, more weight is being placed on material and building system selection. When considering which materials and building systems will contribute to energy savings and emissions reductions, many architects and building professionals are looking to metal roofing systems. Although the roof and its materials were once touted as the least energy efficient component of a building, metal roofs are garnering a different reputation.