The right choice to reduce environmental impact

Sika has invested in Life Cycle Assessment of its roofing systems so that it can demonstrate not only potential cost savings to the customer, but also the green credentials of our products over the life of the membrane.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardised method to assess and compare the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of products and services over their life cycle.

Sika provides roofing systems that use less energy and resources by comparison with competitive technologies, as well as offering a low Global Warming Potential, which also means a reduced carbon footprint.

An obvious ‘sustainable’ choice is a green roof system which will help to improve the microclimate and also mitigate the development of urban heat islands.

The addition of a green roof to an otherwise unused area of a building is beneficial for the surrounding environment – and can contribute to the Green Building Certification rating. But it will also provide many other benefits.

During heavy rainfall, run-off from hard/dense surfaces such as pavements and rooftops can cause serious problems such as sewers overflowing and fresh water pollution. Green roofs slow down this water flow by retaining up to 75% of the rainwater, thus alleviating the pressure on storm water and drainage infrastructure.

Green roofs are also great insulators and can very significantly lower a building’s cooling energy consumption and costs, particularly in the summer months. Furthermore green roofs filter air by absorbing and converting carbon dioxide to oxygen.