When it comes to choosing a roof for your home or commercial property, sustainability is becoming just as important as durability and aesthetics. The carbon footprint of a roofing material measures the total greenhouse gas emissions produced during its life cycle — from manufacturing to installation, maintenance, and eventual disposal.
In this guide, we compare the carbon footprints of popular roofing materials used in Kerala and South India, helping you make a choice that’s both eco-friendly and long-lasting.
1. Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials. They are durable, cost-effective, and available in multiple designs such as:
Carbon Footprint Insight:
While asphalt shingles require fossil fuels to produce, their lightweight nature reduces transportation emissions, and their long life span offsets some of the initial carbon output.
2. Clay and Ceramic Roof Tiles
Clay tiles, such as Tejas Borja’s Premium Options, are known for their exceptional durability and natural materials.
Options include:
Carbon Footprint Insight:
Clay tiles are fired at high temperatures, which initially requires a lot of energy, but their lifespan can exceed 50 years, significantly reducing their environmental impact over time.
3. Wooden Roofing
For eco-conscious property owners, Wooden Cottages and wooden roofing structures offer a natural and renewable choice.
Carbon Footprint Insight:
Wood has one of the lowest embodied carbon values among roofing materials and even stores carbon during its life cycle. Responsible sourcing and proper maintenance are key for sustainability.
4. Metal Roofs
Metal roofing materials, though not listed in our main accessory products, are growing in popularity. They have higher initial carbon emissions due to mining and production but can be fully recycled, reducing waste.
5. Solar Roofing
For those looking to offset their carbon footprint entirely, Solar Roof Tiles combine energy generation with durable roofing protection.
Carbon Footprint Insight:
The manufacturing process is energy-intensive, but the energy savings over decades make solar one of the most sustainable long-term roofing investments.
Choosing the Right Material
Selecting the right roofing material depends on balancing durability, aesthetics, and environmental impact. At Scaffs India, we provide a variety of eco-friendly roofing solutions designed for Kerala’s climate and South India’s architectural styles.
For more insights, explore our roofing shingle projects or contact us for expert guidance.