Recycled/Recyclable Systems

One benchmark used to measure the "greenness" of a facility is its impact on our natural environment's resources. Therefore, materials incorporating recycled content and materials that can easily be recycled after their useful life are desirable options. There are two main types of recycled materials: post consumer and post industrial. Post consumer recycled materials are generally believed to provide a greater benefit to the environment. However, a great deal of post industrial waste would also end up in landfills if not for innovative companies finding ways to incorporate these materials into new processes.

As early as 1986, Garland was using post industrial coal slag as the surfacing for its smooth surfaced modified membranes. Coal slag is a byproduct of burning coal to manufacture electricity. In the last 15+ years of using coal slag on our smooth surfaced membranes, we conservatively estimate that have used over 30,000,000 pounds of coal slag industrial waste in our manufacturing process. In 1997 we took our recycling efforts to the next level by introducing the first modified bitumen membrane in the roofing industry to incorporate post consumer recycled tires into the waterproofing membrane. For this effort, Plant Engineering presented us with their prestigious Product of the Year Award.

Many owners and design professionals are not only concerned about the current impact of their facility but also what legacy will it provide for the future. Therefore, many are looking at what can be done with materials after the end of their useful life. One of the most attractive roofing options for owners looking at the "recyclability" of materials are metal roof systems. Metal is the most recycled material on earth. In fact, over 67% of all construction grade steel is recycled. Not only does it provide a very long service life, metal roof systems are nearly 100% recyclable at the end of its useful life.



Modified Bitumen
Metal Roof Systems






Green Roofs
ENERGY STAR®*/Cool Roofs
Recycled/Recycleable Systems
Solar Roof Systems
Sustainable Links
Title 24

*ENERGY STAR® is a registered trademark of the U.S. government. The ENERGY STAR Program represents a voluntary partnership between businesses and organizations and the federal government to promote energy efficiency and environmental activities.