Duro-Last Releases First Product-Specific PVC Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Single Ply PVC Roofing Membranes
SAGINAW, Mich. and ANN ARBOR, Mich (PRWEB) February 12, 2015 -- Commercial roofing system company Duro-Last has published an environmental product declaration (EPD) for its 40, 50 and 60 mil single ply PVC roofing membranes – the first product-specific PVC EPD in the North American roofing industry. Certified by global public health organization NSF International, the Duro-Last EPD reports environmental impact data which assists building contractors, architects and designers in making more informed purchasing decisions.
Duro-Last contributed to the development of the roofing industry’s generic PVC membrane EPD, which was published in August 2014. This document was the result of collaboration among PVC roofing membrane manufacturers and the Chemical Films and Fabrics Association (CFFA). The release of the Duro-Last product-specific EPD for its singly ply PVC roofing membranes represents the next important step in developing objective and transparent environmental data on its products.
EPDs are recognized globally and by LEED (leadership in energy and environmental design) Green Building Rating System as a preferred reporting tool. Additionally, the recently released LEED version 4 as well as Green Globes, another green building standard, offers additional credits for building materials with EPDs.
“Duro-Last is excited to be the first manufacturer to publish a product specific EPD for PVC roofing membranes,” said Jason Tunney, Executive Vice President and Legal Counsel of Duro-Last. “Transparency is a growing trend in the construction industry and we are committed to helping our customers make educated decisions and being a thought leader in this arena.”
“Publishing a product-specific EPD demonstrates Duro-Last’s leadership in providing transparent, science-based and product-specific environmental information to the marketplace,” said Tom Bruursema, General Manager of NSF International’s Sustainability Division. “An EPD is the culmination of a long process of data collection and analysis conducted through a life cycle assessment. Duro-Last’s commitment to rigorous product examination should be acknowledged and congratulated.”
EPDs are increasingly used across many industries to enable product manufacturers to bring transparent environmental data to customers. An EPD’s specifications are established by a product category rule (PCR), which is created by a committee of interested stakeholders and defines how to conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA) for a product group. NSF International is a leader in developing PCRs that define the contents of LCAs and EPDs and in certifying final EPD documents.
NSF International certified EPDs for Duro-Last’s PVC roofing membranes are available for download here on NSF International’s website. For more information about certified EPDs and other product transparency reports, please contact Jamie Bush at sustainability(at)nsf(dot)org or visit NSF International’s website.
Editor’s note: To schedule an interview with NSF Sustainability General Manager Tom Bruursema, contact Kelly Ingerly at 734-827-6850 or media(at)nsf(dot)org.
To schedule an interview with Katie Chapman, Duro-Last’s Sustainability Specialist, contact Jenny Bruzewski at 800-248-0280 or jbruzews(at)duro-last(dot)com.
About Duro-Last®, Inc.
Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of custom prefabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom prefabrication eliminates up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. This highly sustainable and extremely durable roofing system is leak-proof, virtually maintenance-free and resistant to chemicals, fire, punctures, and high winds. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Carrollton, Texas; Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; and Sigourney, Iowa. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit http://www.duro-last.com.
About NSF International: NSF International is an independent global organization that writes standards, and tests and certifies products for the construction, food, water, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment (nsf.org). Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. Operating in more than 155 countries, NSF International is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment. NSF Sustainability draws upon this expertise in standards development, product assurance and certification, advisory services and quality management systems to help companies create more sustainable products, operations, systems and supply chains.
Jennifer Bruzewski, Duro-Last, Inc., +1 989-758-1073, [email protected]
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