SPONSOR: GAF MATERIALS CORPORATION

GAF’s Green Building Mission

“Sustainability means different things to different people. At GAF we take a pragmatic approach, which means offering the right solutions for our customers as well as focusing on using resources wisely, efficiency in operations, and end-of-life outcomes for our products,” says Bob Tafaro, President and CEO. The sponsorship of EcoHome’s Vision 2020 is just the latest step that GAF has taken to support innovative green-building initiatives. In addition to GAF’s rigorous internal sustainability efforts, GAF launched an industry-leading Certified Green Roofer Program and committed to a multi-year sponsorship of ShingleRecycling.org, which helps contractors and distributors connect with qualified shingle recyclers across the U.S. and Canada. GAF’s operations have led the way in sustainability. GAF was the first major shingle manufacturer to have recycling at each of its shingle plants, and now has two zero-waste-to-landfill manufacturing facilities, with a goal of adding many more. “Our manufacturing process is very resource-efficient,” explains Martin Grohman, Director of Sustainability at GAF. “In addition to shingles, our plants recycle metal, cardboard, and oils, as well as everyday items like batteries, paper, inks and toners, and CFLs.” Go to www.gaf.com/green for a full range of tools and resources about cool roofs, roof ventilation, and green codes and rating systems, as well as listings of GAF products that are rated by the CRRC and Energy Star (U.S. only), and meet Title 24 requirements.

GAF’S MISSION STATEMENT

As the roofing industry leader, GAF practices, supports, and enables:
• Resource-conscious manufacturing.
• Energy efficient buildings and installations.
• Sustainability awareness and support for installers, owners, and recyclers of roofing materials.
• Appropriate end-of-life outcomes for our products.

News from GAF

GAF Stays Ahead of New Green Codes

Sustainability codes and guidelines have made an impact on the construction industry. In roofing, the influence of LEED, Title24, Miami 21, Global Cool Cities Alliance, and other programs and initiatives is undeniable. GAF has been proactive with products and services that help roofing professionals and property owners meet these standards while providing the building performance that they need. With the adoption of the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) expected to begin as early as 2012 in some jurisdictions, GAF offers a wide range of products that meet or exceed the code’s requirements, including our Timberline® Cool Series™ shingles, TOPCOAT® roof coatings, and GardenScapes™ vegetative roofing. Additionally, GAF offers programs and services that make it easier for contractors to comply with these codes. Go to www.gaf.com/green for more information.

GAF Sponsors “Find A Recycler” at ShingleRecycling.org

It is widely agreed that recycled asphalt shingles, with their high-quality asphalt, aggregate, and fibers, can be used in highway construction and may even improve the properties of these roads. GAF is expanding its efforts to support post-consumer shingle recycling by making a multiyear commitment to sponsor the Find-A-Recycler section of ShingleRecycling.org, the leading resource for information about recycling asphalt shingles. In addition to a state-by-state database of locations where roofing contractors can recycle their tear-offs, the website includes a wealth of technical information about recycling.

Preparing a roof for recycling is straightforward—shingles, felt, and nails are kept separate while the old roofing is being removed, and other materials that come off the roof are then placed on top of the load for separate recycling. During the shingle grinding process, powerful magnets remove nails which are recycled as well. In order to operate on a national scale, GAF’s program does not require roofing contractors to lock in with any specific recycling company, but encourages them to use a recycler listed at www.shinglerecycling.org.  

• Regenerative Design
• Sustainable Communities
• Energy and Carbon
• Materials and Resources
• Water Efficiency
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Products and Performance
• Building Systems Research
• Market Transformation
• Green Building Codes, Standards, and Rating Systems