After three years of presentation, field trips, meetings, and debates, it appears I've been successful in the initial phase of changing petroleum based roofs on the schools in my district (11th. largest in the United States) to white synthetic single ply.
Why is that such big news Ron? Well it's big because it will save the district approximately 20% in energy cost, lower up front installed cost, and superior life cycle cost. It will eliminate the contaminants flowing from the roof (nitrogen and phosphorous) which inhibit microbial growth and wildlife.
Okay, I don't want to get heavy into my environmentalist mode, but all this advancement SAVES millions of dollars for the school district, and taxpayers.
Below, you will see comments by the district's Director of Construction, whom I have great respect for. He fought very hard, but he fought fair, and that's all a reasonable person can ask.
Ron,
We're currently planning a warehouse roofing project at our Green Street Warehouse, that will incorporate a single-ply roof. If you don't mind reviewing the specification that we come up with, I'll send it to you before we make it final.
Folks, this is accomplished with absolutely no resources, only desire, and sheer will. I realize how abstract my excitement may appear, but it's an illustration of one person with a goal, accomplishing something on behalf of the many. I'd also like it to be a model for anyone who embarks upon a mission where others tell you "it's impossible". It isn't, and this is proof. You have to want it bad enough, and for the right reasons.
This is a major high school in my district using the old petroleum method. Is this something we need to change? Absolutely.
Energy modeling on a 200,000 sq. ft. compares white synthetic roof membrane over R-20 insulation, to modified bitumen in identical situatiion.
Term of the roof warranty is 30 years, and the model showed energy savings of $456,000.00, and a carbon reduction of 77,000 lbs.
The next photograph will show an actual 200,000 sq. ft. roof at BJ's Wholesale in Tampa, as a comparison.
Virtually all retailers have chosen the white synthetic for it's reflective properties and value. Clean water and energy reduction are a bonus. A BIG bonus.
The most difficult part of my advocacy is government structures where the money does not come from the building owner's pocket, but from the taxpayers. Wal-Mart, Target, BJ's, KMart, and many more see the multidimensional aspects, and specify them on all their stores.
Wal-Mart has been doing this for 10 years now, and I think we'll agree that if the largest private consumer of electricity in the United States uses it, it must be both serviceable, and a value.
Why doesn't the government see, what building owners see? You simply cannot argue in favor of petroleum. It can't be done.
The purpose of this post is to praise my school district, not to bury it.
I think that once we became comfortable with each other, and understood the common goal (the students and taxpayers), we were able to put aside all differences, and achieve on their behalf.
There is much work to be done with universities, department of corrections, etc., but this was very uplifting, as my victories are few and far between. But I cherish each of them on behalf of people who are better served as a result.
I know you cannot see the roof, so many people don't even acknowledge the most important component of a structure. Well, this is yet another visual for you, and it's very important you think about the simplicity of my statements.
As always, I am thankful you visit me here, and will work harder to bring interesting topics about, or related to, roof systems, and their effect on energy savings and the environment.
Thank you for caring about anything I have to say, and remember to keep looking "UP".
Respectfully,
Robert R. "Ron" Solomon
CCC1325620
