GAF has released the company’s 2022 Sustainability Report outlining industry-leading initiatives and progress toward its 2030 Planet Goals. GAF reached new milestones in the production of its recycled asphalt shingles, launched an unprecedented research initiative to help tackle urban heat and expanded support in collaboration with its roofing network to build more resilient communities.
“GAF is committed to delivering high quality products that families and businesses can count on to protect them when it matters most, and sustainability is a critical part of delivering on that promise,” says John Altmeyer, CEO of GAF. “We have made meaningful progress when it comes to our sustainability goals and priorities, and those efforts are part of helping us secure our business for the future, carve out new avenues for growth, and ensure we are contributing positively to society.”
Milestones in the report include:
Committing $25 million to build more resilient communities. Through GAF Community Matters, the company is leveraging its products, expertise and extensive national network to promote resilient building practices, including in communities that continue to be impacted by extreme weather. In addition to a $25 million commitment through 2025 to help build more resilient communities across the country, in 2022, GAF embarked on an effort to replace 500 roofs in the Gulf Region, including 150 in the 7th Ward of New Orleans, an area repeatedly hit with natural disasters and in need of long term resilience.
Production of two million square feet (20,000 squares) of Timberline HDZ RoofCycle Series Shingles. In 2021, GAF introduced the roofing industry’s first, patented process to reclaim 90 percent of shingle waste, repurposing it into new recycled content shingles, creating Timberline HDZ RoofCycle Series Shingles. The innovation continues to be a significant opportunity to divert the 13 million tons of shingle waste that enter landfills every year in the U.S. In 2022, GAF achieved a production milestone that resulted in 1 million pounds of shingles diverted from landfills to date and deployed the RoofCycle Shingles to rebuilding efforts in the Gulf Region as part of GAF Community Matters.
Tackling urban heat by applying over 700K square feet of solar-reflective pavement coating. Last summer, GAF launched the GAF Cool Community Project, an unprecedented, community-wide, cross-sector research initiative in Pacoima, one of the hottest neighborhoods in LA, to understand the impacts of various cooling solutions on heat and livability within metropolitan areas with the goal of providing those learnings to other cities. Initial research results are positive, and the lived experience is the real measure of success with residents reporting positive impacts such as more time outdoors with neighbors.
Trained and placed more than 500 future roofers in jobs. Designed to help individuals build the necessary skills for an entry-level position in roofing, GAF Roofing Academy combines classroom and on-the-roof training with access to job opportunities from GAF’s national network of thousands of independent, certified contractors seeking talent. Last year, GAF trained 905 students, placing 516 graduates in jobs—a 57% placement rate. The training is open to individuals from all backgrounds, including transitioning military, formerly incarcerated and underserved youth, and is intended to help open doors to thriving careers in roofing.
Certified recycled content across TPO and PVC products. As the only company in the roofing sector to hold recycled content certifications for TPO and PVC products, GAF’s ISO line of products also achieved third party certification for recycled content. Lifecycle assessments are being conducted across GAF’s core commercial and residential product portfolio to help inform more sustainable choices. Product transparency is also part of a comprehensive approach GAF is using to help reduce carbon associated with its products and operations.
“This work reflects strong partnerships and collaborations GAF has formed within and outside of our industry, from contractors and architects to city officials and grassroots organizations,” says Andy Hilton, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Chief Communications Officer at GAF. “GAF is working to be part of the solution in tackling some of the biggest challenges communities and businesses are facing, but we can’t do it alone. We look forward to continuing to invest in these programs and expanding to include more voices and partners along the way, so we can have the greatest impact possible.”
More information on these efforts and more can be found in the new interactive report available at gaf.com/sustainabilitypromise.
