The EPDM Roofing Association (ERA) announced it has marked its fifth anniversary with several key research and education projects in the coming year. The association represents the manufacturers and suppliers of EPDM single-ply roofing products for both new construction and replacement roofing projects. Member companies in the ERA include Carlisle Syntec and Firestone Building Products.
As part of its commitment to providing current and accurate data documenting the many benefits of EPDM roofing systems, ERA will conduct further work on several technical research and educational programs in 2008, including:
o An ongoing recycling research project, which so far has determined that it is logistically viable to remove EPDM from a roof and create a product from recycled membrane
o A new research project to evaluate the performance of EPDM membrane in severe weather conditions
o Support of third-party research that will confirm that ballasted roofs, using EPDM membrane, serve as a “cool roofing” alternative, matching the energy savings performance of reflective roof products
o An AIA-certified continuing education program on sustainable roof systems and garden roofs
o Ensuring that LEED, Green Globes and other environmentally conscious certification programs recognize the vital role EPDM plays in developing a roof system that meets their standards.
o Developing progressive solutions with state regulators to meet the growing desire to protect the environment while preserving design options for roofing construction.
“In 2008 we need to continue the (recycling) program,” said Jim Jannasch, EPDM product manager for Firestone Building Products. “First, we'd like the industry to get access to more recycling grinders. Today the only two grinders are in Michigan and Ohio. We also need to develop new uses for the recycled product. We're doing the walking paths now, but we'd love to take that recycled material back to roofing products.”
Jannasch said the next phase of the recylcing project will focus on adding more grinders, and to that end has asked that any companies that operate large grinders or have a use for ground rubber contact the ERA offices at info@epdmroofs.org. To date the ERA has reported that 1.5 million sf of EPDM roofs have been recycled.
