b'PRESIDENTS MESSAGEGREEN ROOFS, SOLAR PANELS AND WATER RETENTIONDAN HENROTTE RCABC President B efore I get into the main topics for this1. doesnotemitgreenhousegasesandmessage,IwouldliketowelcometwocontributestoB.C.sgoalofachieving newdirectorstotheRCABCBoard:net-zero emissions;KevinMossfromMarineRoofingand2. when combined with green roofs, increases Chris Bourgault from Duron Specialty Contracting Group Ltd. I also want to thank retiring directorsenergyefficiencyduetothecoolingeffect Chris Smith from Nelson Roofing & Sheet Metalof the green roof and enhances solar panel and Dan Gregorowich from Transwest Roofing forperformancebymaintainingoptimaloper-their dedicated and valuable service to the boardating temperatures; and3. through programs like CleanBC, makes solar over the last 10 years.In 2025, the roofing industry in British Columbiainstallationsmoreaccessibleforproperty will be evolving rapidly, driven by the integration ofowners by offering rebates to reduce costs sustainable technologies that many jurisdictions arefor installation.moving towards. The most impactful of these tech- Themovetowardsgreenbuildingsustainable nologies are green roofs, solar panels and water-re- practices and the integration of emerging roofing tentionsystems,whichoffersubstantialbenefitstechnologieswillrequireroofingcontractorsto for urban environments, property owners and theadaptquicklytothechangingroofingmarket. roofing industry itself. While these emerging technologies offer opportu-RCABC is positioning itself to be at the fore- nities, they also necessitate that contractors make an front of advancing these technologies, particularlyinvestment in training and equipment to offer these greenroofingpractices.Education,quality-assur- services. This can be a challenging issue for some ance programs and advocacy will allow the associa- contractors in this time of economic uncertainty.tion to equip contractors with the tools and exper- Tonavigatethesechallenges,roofingprofes-tise to meet the increasing demand for sustainablesionals in B.C. may need to focus on workforce roofing solutions. Added to these initiatives is thedevelopment,strategicplanningandembracing introduction of a new RCABC warranty programinnovation to remain competitive in the evolving for green roofs. roofing market landscape.Abenefitofgreenroofsiswaterretention.Green roofs, solar panels and water retention These roofs absorb and retain rainwater, reducingare sustainable roofing options that are the future runoff and helping to reduce flooding, which is atechnologies of our industry. RCABC is moving serious problem in urban areas of B.C. because offorward in 2025 to get ahead of the sustainability the rainy climate. In addition, green roof vegeta- wave and be a leader for the industry in technol-tion filters pollutants from the air and contributesogies coming down the pipe. The sooner contrac-toacleanerandhealthierurbanenvironment.tors embrace this and get themselves ahead of the Green roofs also reduce the heat retained by thewave,thesoonertheywillreapthebenefitsforbuilding, which helps keep the urban area coolertheir businesses.and shields the roofing membrane from weatherIencourageyoutoshareyourthoughtsand exposure, which in turn reduces maintenance and ideasonthistopicandotherissueswithme replacement costs. (danh@cascaderoofing.ca) and the RCABC staff.Solar panels installed on roofs help to reduce therelianceonthepowergridaswellascreateYours sincerely, significant cost savings and energy autonomy for the building. From an environmental standpoint,Dan Henrotte solar energy: RCABC President8 lROOFINGBClSPRING 2025'