A Roofer’s Guide to Sustainability

“The Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group is pleased to acknowledge that the Roofers Guide to Sustainability Modular 

Programme has been developed and produced as a result of funding provided by CITB ConstructionSkills as part of their long term commitment to training and quality standards in the specialist 

roofing sector. This support is gratefully appreciated

Energy Considerations

The Plan

• Sign attendance Register• Aims• Presentation• End Test• Review

Course Aim

• To provide an understanding of the energy considerations over the lifecycle of roofing operations.

• To offer practical tips for energy management at work on a day to day basis

Factors affecting energy efficiency

• Use of Raw Materials – Embodied Energy• Location/Transport • Processes• Waste

Embodied Energy

• Embodied Energy is the total of all the energy required to produce goods or services, considered as if that energy was incorporated or 'embodied' in the product itself.

9040 miles from slate quarries in Xiamen to Leeds

Embodied Energy

(MJ/M2)

Weight (kg/m2)

Life (years)

Recyclability

Clay Tiles 270 -430 40-60 30-100 Good

Concrete Tiles  40-90 40-90 30-100 Good

Natural Slates 130-160 20-30 100+ Very Good

Coated Steel 180-290 7 30 Fair

Aluminium (Virgin) 500-920 <10 100+ Good

Aluminium (Recycled) 30-90 <10 100+ Good

Insulation (volume)

Material Embodied EnergyMJ/M2

Embodied EnergyKg CO2/M2

Rockwool  403 25

Polystyrene Insulation 2215 63

Polyurethane Insulation 2163 90

Straw Bale 25 1

Vehicle Use

Lighten the load

Slow Down

Don't idle

Check your tyres

Plan ahead

Are you on Standby?

• Leaving appliances on standby can account for between 9% and 16% of your electricity usage.

• Study by Energy Saving Trust and DEFRA 

• Are you really happy that this amount of your energy bill is wasted?

Energy Saving tips

• Keep the Heat In – Close doors and windows• Use energy saving light bulbs• Insulate – cut out the draughts• Only heat enough water for immediate use

Activity 

End Test – Check your knowledge

The Yorkshire Independent Roof Training Group is pleased to acknowledge that the 

Roofers Guide to Sustainability is delivered as a result of funding provided by CITB 

ConstructionSkills as part of their long term commitment to training and quality standards 

in the specialist roofing sector. 

This support is gratefully appreciated