In May 1996 an International Task Group was established to gather information from different countries about the current criteria used for the design and construction of membrane roofs that minimise harm to the environment.

This paper sets out the views of some specifiers on the issue of sustainability in construction, and goes on to give current definitions. The importance of the whole life cycle is discussed and a cradle-to-grave model included. It is recognised that the issues are complex and involve inter-relationships that are not well understood and are in need of further research. For example, how are the various sets of environmental data weighted for a given roofing system on a specific project?

Previous studies into the performance of membrane roofs have reached practical conclusions on individual issues, although the designer or contractor is now looking for balanced guidance on wider environmental issues. The Task Group has suggested that it would be helpful to bring together the key points of best practice in a single page document, and this paper concludes with a set of common principles or 'tenets of sustainable roofing' which are offered for public comment.

If you require a copy of this paper please contact us.

You are welcome to refer to our publications in other works and studies on the understanding that 'Keith Roberts of robertsconsulting.co.uk' is named as the source. When text or figures are to be used in a publication, please contact us to check that there are no copyright infringements.