Roofing Sustainability

Aligning best practices with the 3 Ps

by Sherre Bartlett, AIA, CDT

Sustainability is increasingly recognized as a critical focus in construction and facility management. Sustainability was originally defined as “using resources in a way that prevents depletion or permanent damage.” In the 1980s, the United Nations expanded this definition to mean “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This has become a cornerstone of sustainable thinking, especially in building design.

Sustainability is guided by the “three Ps”: people, profit and planet.

• People focuses on social equity for current generations while ensuring the same for future generations.

• Profit aims for economic benefits and prosperity while focusing on resource efficiency.

• Planet emphasizes environmental protection, ensuring resources for future generations. Keeping these principles in mind, sustainability in construction focuses on the use of sustainable materials, energy efficiency, water conservation, durability, waste reduction and indoor air quality (IAQ).

Continue reading Roofing Sustainability on FMJ Magazine’s website.