One of the most widely and frequently discussed topics in the roofing industry during the past year has been environmental awareness, and NRCA and the roofing industry have been increasingly involved with this issue. There has been a surge in the development and installation of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly roof systems and roofing products, as well as research regarding cool roofing, photovoltaic (PV) technology and recycling of roofing materials. In addition, state and local governments are mandating new requirements and offering rebates for environmentally friendly roof systems.
Because of this growing interest in environmental awareness and sustainability, NRCA has developed new offerings to meet the need for updated and accessible technical and educational tools for the construction and roofing industries.
Conferences
To educate roofing contractors about the technical guidelines contained in The NRCA Green Roof Systems Manual—2007 Edition and issues to consider when installing and maintaining vegetative roof systems, NRCA University will be holding five one-day conferences during spring 2009. The conferences will discuss waterproofing membranes and construction details, plantings and growth media, codes, standards and other issues pertaining to vegetative roof systems.
Additionally, NRCA plans to hold an international symposium, "Evolving Technology and Sustainability," in Chicago in September 2010. The symposium is intended to discuss sustainability issues and evolving technology such as recycling, PV offerings and cool roof surfaces while remaining focused on the core technical competencies in the roofing industry. A call for abstracts will be issued in spring 2009.
A new manual
Vegetative roof systems' popularity is increasing in the U.S. To provide building owners, designers, product manufacturers and installers with updated guidelines regarding proper vegetative roof system design, materials and installation, NRCA will release its Vegetative Roof Systems Manual—2009 Edition in spring 2009, a follow-up to The NRCA Green Roof Systems Manual—2007 Edition. The 2009 edition will include updated technical information.
Educational series
NRCA University has launched its Roofing, Energy and the Environment Series, an online educational program consisting of seven modules aimed at helping roofing professionals and end users understand how roof systems can contribute to energy conservation and environmental protection. Vegetative Roof Systems was made available in November and focuses on vegetative roof system types, components, accessories, design, installation, maintenance and safety concerns.
Also in November, Cool Roofs was launched. The module examines roof coverings and surfacing materials that minimize roof surface temperatures.
Other modules will include Photovoltaics and Roofing, which will be available this month, and in early 2009, Building Codes and Rating Systems for Roofing, Introduction to Energy-efficient Roof Systems, EnergyWise Tutorial and Case Studies, and the Roofing, Energy and the Environment Series Certificate Examination.
Important updates
With the rapidly increasing interest in sustainable roofing, NRCA recognizes the importance of providing updated technical information and educational tools for the construction and roofing industries. For more information about NRCA's environmental offerings, visit www.nrca.net or shop.nrca.net.
James R. Kirby, AIA, is NRCA's associate executive director of technical communications.
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