- Ensure proper attic ventilation
- Plant a green roof
- Install a rain barrel
- Generate wind power
- Increase the insulation in your attic
- Install a cool roof
- Choose recycled roofing materials
- Opt for FSC-certified wood roofing materials
- Install solar shingles
- Buy an ENERGY STAR skylight or solar tube
- Choose durable roofing materials
Roof
Choose recycled roofing materials
Armster Reclaimed Lumber Company Reclaimed wood shakes
Choose your wood species with this company and get LEED points, too! The reclaimed wood shakes (wooden shingles made from split logs) are either hand-split or re-sawn, so you can also pick the style you’d like.Bedford Technology Rolath recycled plastic stripping
Don’t use wood lath (a thin, foundational strip of wood used before applying some shingles), choose this recycled version of the product instead! Made from Bedford Technology’s own manufacturing waste, this post-consumer product is used to secure roofing felt and building wraps.CETCO StrongSeal Recycled Rubberized Underlayment
Made from 40 percent recycled tire fiber, this underlayment comes in nail-down and peel-and-stick versions. StrongSeal comes with a materials warranty.Classic Metal Roofing Systems Rustic Shingle
With a rugged, wood shake appearance, these metal shingles are both durable and beautiful. The’re made using 98 percent post-consumer recycled metals and come in a variety of colors. They’re also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.EcoStar Majestic Slate Traditional shingles
These roofing tiles are manufactured using Starloy, a proprietary polymer made from 100 percent recycled post-industrial rubber and plastic. They look and feel like slate shingles, yet they are incredibly lightweight and much less expensive.Enviroshake
This maintenance-free roofing is durable (you can walk on it, and it’s hail resistant), is made from 95 percent recycled material (including post-industrial plastics, fiber, and crumb rubber from tires), and comes with a 50-year warranty. Its cedar roof appearance comes in a variety of different profiles and is mold, mildew, and insect resistant, too.Humane Industrial Applications Roof-Gard Pads
Got a flat roof? Use these pads for a safe, stable walkway to access roof structures like air conditioning and greenery. Made from recycled plastic, they’re a great way to cut back on your construction waste.NYCORE Ny-Slate shingles
Made from 100 percent post-consumer carpet, this slate roofing alternative is lightweight, mold- and bacteria-resistant, as well as durable. It comes with a 50-year warranty and is made without generating any waste.Re-New Wood Incorporated Eco-Shake
Shake-like shingles made from 100 percent recycled vinyl and cellulose fibers. Suitable for all climates, these lightweight shingles can be purchased directly from this manufacturer or through a roofing distributor in your area.
Opt for FSC-certified wood roofing materials
Koenig Cedar Co FSC Cedar Shingles
Choose from Western Red Cedar or Northern White Cedar shingles. The company also has a few hand-split shakes (wooden shingles made from split logs) to choose from. Get them pre-stained or not, depending on your preference.Maibec FSC Cedar Shingles
Maibec's shingle options include white cedar classic shingles, cedar strips, and cedar panels. They come in a variety of colors, too. Check the “Distributor” listings for US stores in your area.Panel Source International FSC underlayment plywood
Get LEED credits with this sustainable plywood sheathing. Made of industrial grade hem-fir and formaldehyde-free, it’s an eco-friendly choice. Comes in a variety of thicknesses and is Class A fire retardant.
Install solar shingles
Atlantis Energy Systems Sunslates solar shingles
Can be applied to both new and remodeled roofs, these interconnected solar tiles are installed along with your regular shingles and connect to a splice box under your roof deck. An average system covers about 300 feet.OkSolar.com
For the true DIYer: order all the parts you’ll need to set up a solar electric system. Choose from solar panels, charge controllers, solar cells, and solar roof shingles. The company even offers a couple of training sessions.SolarCentury Solar electric roof tile
Installed to fit with conventional roofing materials, these high power output solar tiles are discreet and powerful. They provide 52 watts per tile. Check out the company's informative video, too.Uni-Solar Photovoltaic shingles
These energy catchers look like ordinary shingles, but work for you by capturing the sun’s energy. The flexible thin film shingles connect to a solar system inside your house where energy is stored for when you need it. A set costs as little as $121.
Buy an ENERGY STAR skylight or solar tube
Solatube Brighten Up Series
This tubular skylight come in a variety of sizes and can be fitted with various diffusers or shaders to create beautiful, free interior light. If installed in a bathroom, it can include a ventilation add-on.Sun-Tek Dura Series Skylights
Choose from aluminum, polycarbonate, or wood construction. They’re all ENERGY STAR qualified and come in a variety of finishes and colors.VELUX Non-venting Skylight
This ENERGY STAR skylight has tempered, low-e, argon-filled glass. It’s fixed, so it doesn’t open, but it’s durable and can be positioned in any direction. Has a maintenance-free aluminum exterior.VELUX Electric Venting Skylight
Provide daylighting and ventilation to your home with this remote-controlled skylight. It’s ENERGY STAR qualified, so you know it’ll be efficient and convenient. It closes automatically when it senses rain. Can also be fitted with interior blinds and exterior awnings for added shade.VELUX Sun Tunnel Skylights
Funnel bright, white light into any space, including bathrooms, closets, and other hard-to-illuminate areas. Comes in a variety of profiles and structures (flexible or rigid) so that you’ll be able to find one perfect for your home.
Choose durable roofing materials
Classic Metal Roofing Systems Rustic Shingle
With a rugged, wood shake appearance, these metal shingles are both durable and beautiful. The’re made using 98 percent post-consumer recycled metals and come in a variety of colors. They’re also backed by a limited lifetime warranty.Enviroshake
This maintenance-free roofing is durable (you can walk on it, and it’s hail resistant), is made from 95 percent recycled material (including post-industrial plastics, fiber, and crumb rubber from tires), and comes with a 50-year warranty. Its cedar roof appearance comes in a variety of different profiles and is mold, mildew, and insect resistant, too.Met-Tile Steel shingles
These Spanish-styled "tile" shingles (available in steel and aluminum) have earned the ENERGY STAR rating because of their cool roof attributes. They’re lightweight, as well as fire, pest, and rot resistant.North Country Slate Unfading Green roofing
A classically-colored roofing material, this option can be used to created a mono-colored roof, or in combination with other slates options for a multicolored appearance. Random sizes make this product especially unique. Can last more than 100 years.Residential Exterior Design Corp Perfection aluminum shake shingles
Guaranteed not to leak or chip due to hail damage, these ultra-durable aluminum shingles are also fire and pest resistant. Suitable for climates with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, these shingles come with a 50-year limited warranty.
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