Question for Sally Langer (Roofing)

[Dr. Meyer]

Question: I passed a billboard that advertised the Illinois Green Roofing Society with a reference to the US Green Roofing Society on it. How important is it as a business owner to be able to advertise this or join this group? And what kind of controls are there that insure that the company isnt just claiming they are green?

Answer:

To be completely honest, my husband and I have never heard of US Green Roofing Society. So, we Googled it and it came up with a greenroofs info site. We aren't sure how a company becomes a member of the US Green Roofing Society. Not sure if it's worth more research as we are always leery of those who jump on the green bandwagon.

What we can say is that is does benefit a company for an employee, preferrably the owner, to become LEED certified. An individual, not a business, becomes LEED certified. It's a matter of business survival. To be bluntly honest, we will go as far as to say it's "politically correct". There is a manual that is as thick as the bible (no joking). My husband has to read this manual, which is basically chocked full of common sence type info, take a test and BAM, you are certified. Looks great on the company letterhead. Now, not saying that this world shouldn't be more cognizant of it's waste and preservation of this Earth but, most of the things that are "required" of businesses seem a complete waste of time.

As far as controls, I'm certain there are ways of being able to claim whatever you want. That is something I'm not quite sure how to answer.

I hope I answered your question, if you have any other questions regarding this, please let me know.

Sal

[kzang]

Hey Doc and Sal,

I wanted to do some exploring on LEED, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. What are the benefits of having that LEED behind your name?

According to the great Wikipedia (which warns that some of the information has insufficient inline citations)...

It is estimated that the value of green building construction is projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010. By 2009, 82% of corporate America is expected to be greening at least 16% of their real estate portfolios; of these corporations, 18% will be greening more than 60% of their real estate portfolios. The green building market is estimated to be worth $30-$40 billion annually by the year 2010. By 2010, approximately 10% of commercial construction starts are projected to be green. According to McGraw-Hill bulding smart Smart Market report 2006. Every business day, $464 million worth of construction registers with LEED.

So it makes sense for a business owner to have someone on board, if not himself, who is LEED accredited. The ball is rolling in that direction.

Buildings represent 38.9% of US primary energy use. Buildings are one of the heaviest consumers of natural resources and account for a significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions that effect climate change. In the US, buildings account for 38% of all CO2 emissions. Buildings represent 72% of US consumption. Buildings use 13.6% of all potable water, or 15 trillion gallons per year. Buildings use 40% of raw materials globally (3 billion tons annually).

I guess if we are going for a big bang for our buck, buildings are something to focus on to help conserve the use of our energy.

Many local governments have adopted LEED incentive programs. Program incentives include tax credits, tax breaks, density bonuses, reduced fees, priority or expedited permitting, free or reduced cost technical assistance, grants and low interest loans

Cincinnati, Ohio, and the state of Nevada have already adopted such programs. Governments appear to be the impetus behind this. If some sort of credit is not being offered, why build that way? It costs more, but saves money later on. If I was the owner of the building, then I would have a stake in all this.

LEED is a measurement tool and not a design tool. It is also not yet climate specific, although the newest version hopes to address this weakness partially. Because of this, designers may make materials or design choices that garner a LEED point, even though they may not be the most site or climate appropriate choice available.

I won't reprint the crazy long point system that is used to determine if construction can be LEED certified. These are exceedingly complicated evaluations. When enough money is at stake, I'm sure whoever is responsible, or going to save some tax dollars will participate. But it seems that a building that is LEED certified would be a more energy efficient structure over the long run.

But how do all of you business owners feel about this? Do you think that there already are enough controls in place to be sure that a business is being environmentally responsible?

Is this the only way to ensure that architects and construction companies will use more responsible materials?

And what about the use of "cutting edge" materials that have not yet been proven? In roofing, I have seen living roofs, made out of systems that hold plants in place. Sounds like a great idea, but what if you spring a leak? Leaks are notoriously hard to find on regular shingle roofs. Are these new systems easily repaired or replaced? We don't yet know how they hold up over time.

Kathy

[dirtysal]

Hey Kathy,

Not sure where or how far this can take us. Only time will tell. Funny thing is, we've always been aware of and practised in the same things they are teaching in these manuals. I guess now you just need to be certified in order for others to take notice.

I will let you all know if it's worth it I guess.

Sal

[spock8113]

Hey Sal,
It's you know who.

Roofing questions:
I'm about to get a new roof (GAF) and it will be installed in late Sept.
Do I need hot days to get the back tar strips to seal or is it ok to wait all winter until next summer when the strips seal.

also.........

I have a gable fan and an 18" square vent at the other gable.
If I have a ridge vent put in, won't the house fan now pull through the ridge vent rather than the house?
Should I limit the amount of ridge vent in linear feet or should I just do no ridge vent at all?

Copper flashing at the chimney?

Ok, I've used up all my asks.
thanks

[dirtysal]

Hey Spocky!!

Are you installing your own roof?? You da man!! What is the pitch of your roof?

[spock8113]

It's a sissy roof, ranch, I think a mere 30 degrees? The garage maybe 15degrees.
I have to get the pool solar panels I put up some years ago off.
Then I have to remove 3 layers!!
From the attic inside, the tongue'n'groove looks ok, but that's inside.

[dirtysal]

Hey there Spocky,

You can certainly install your roof in late Sept. I asked Mark about the venting in the house and he said that you should just stick to the gable vents. Less is more I guess. I really don't understand the venting. If you want to flash in copper, that's fine. Looks good too! If you spot rotten wood on the deck, just be sure to replace it.

Good luck, take pics and let us know how it goes!

Sal