Direct Answer
Asphalt roofing can be environmentally friendly in some applications, but it is not automatically a sustainable roofing choice. Its environmental performance depends on the product, service life, energy performance, recycled content, maintenance strategy, and what happens to the roofing material at the end of its useful life.
Who This Applies To
This applies primarily to property owners, facility managers, developers, architects, contractors, and building owners evaluating asphalt shingles or asphalt-based roofing systems from a sustainability perspective.
Not for: Assuming that any asphalt roof is automatically a “green” roof simply because it is durable or recyclable. Environmental performance should be evaluated over the roof’s full life cycle.
1. Asphalt Roofing Has Some Environmental Advantages
Asphalt roofing can provide a relatively durable and economical roof system, which can reduce the environmental impacts associated with frequent replacement. EPA also identifies recycling as an important waste-management option for asphalt shingles because recovered shingles can replace some virgin asphalt binder and aggregate in other applications.
The environmental benefit therefore depends partly on how long the roof remains serviceable and whether the material is reused or recycled instead of discarded.
2. Recycling Can Improve Its Environmental Profile
One of the strongest sustainability opportunities for asphalt shingles is recycling after removal. EPA reports that recycled asphalt shingles can be processed for use in hot-mix asphalt and other applications, reducing the need for virgin asphalt binder and aggregate.
However, recycling availability varies by location and material. EPA has also noted that closed-loop recycling of recovered shingles into new asphalt shingles has historically faced technical and manufacturer feedstock limitations.
Some newer products are incorporating recycled shingle material directly into new roofing products. For example, GAF reports a product line containing approximately 7% recycled shingle content, although availability is limited by product and location.
3. Landfilling Is a Sustainability Disadvantage
When asphalt roofing is removed and sent to a landfill, the environmental benefits associated with material recovery are lost. EPA’s WARM model identifies transportation to the landfill and landfill operations as sources of greenhouse-gas emissions for discarded asphalt shingles.
EPA also reports that asphalt shingles are a significant component of construction and demolition waste.
Therefore, choosing a contractor and disposal facility that can properly recover and recycle eligible asphalt roofing waste can improve the environmental outcome of a reroofing project.
4. Cool Asphalt Roofing Can Reduce Cooling Energy
Standard dark asphalt shingles can absorb substantial solar radiation. However, cool asphalt shingles are available with higher solar reflectance.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that cool asphalt shingles can reduce solar heat gain and potentially reduce building cooling energy, particularly in hot climates.
This can be particularly relevant in warm climates where air-conditioning represents a significant portion of building energy consumption.
5. The Product Matters More Than the Word “Asphalt”
Two asphalt roofing products can have very different environmental profiles. When comparing products, consider:
- Expected service life
- Recycled content
- Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
- Solar reflectance and thermal emittance
- Manufacturing impacts
- Transportation distance
- Maintenance requirements
- Ability to recycle the roof at end of life
- Amount of roofing waste generated during installation
- Whether the existing roof can be recovered or reused rather than completely removed
Product-specific EPDs can provide much more meaningful environmental information than simply labeling a roofing system “sustainable.”
6. Asphalt Roofing Manufacturing Has Environmental Impacts
Asphalt roofing is not impact-free. EPA regulates asphalt processing and asphalt roofing manufacturing facilities because these processes can contribute to air pollution.
For this reason, a genuine sustainability comparison should consider manufacturing impacts as well as the roof’s operational benefits and end-of-life options.
7. How to Make an Asphalt Roof More Sustainable
If asphalt roofing is the appropriate system for the building, several decisions can improve its environmental performance:
- Select a durable product: A longer-lasting roof can reduce replacement frequency and associated material use.
- Consider cool roofing: In appropriate climates, higher-reflectance asphalt products can reduce cooling loads.
- Look for documented recycled content: Prefer products with credible manufacturer documentation.
- Review the EPD: Compare product-specific life-cycle impacts rather than relying only on sustainability marketing claims.
- Plan for recycling: Identify whether removed shingles can be recovered and recycled locally.
- Maintain the roof: Timely repairs and maintenance can extend useful service life.
- Avoid premature replacement: Replacing a serviceable roof solely for environmental reasons can create unnecessary material and construction impacts.
Asphalt Roofing vs. Sustainability Factors
| Factor | Asphalt Roofing Consideration |
|---|---|
| Durability | Can provide a useful service life when properly installed and maintained. |
| Recycled content | Available for some products; verify product-specific documentation. |
| Recycling | Recovered shingles can be used in pavement and other applications where facilities are available. |
| Landfill impact | Sending removed shingles to landfill loses material-recovery opportunities. |
| Energy performance | Cool asphalt shingles can provide improved solar reflectance and reduce cooling loads. |
| Manufacturing impact | Manufacturing has energy and air-emission impacts that should be considered in a life-cycle comparison. |
| Overall sustainability | Depends on product selection, service life, energy performance, maintenance, and end-of-life management. |
Bottom Line
Asphalt roofing can be an environmentally responsible choice, but it is not inherently the most environmentally friendly roofing material. A durable asphalt roof with documented recycled content, good maintenance, appropriate cool-roof performance, and a credible recycling pathway can have a substantially better environmental profile than a poorly managed roof that is frequently replaced and sent to landfill.
For a commercial property, compare the complete life-cycle performance of asphalt against alternatives such as metal, TPO, PVC, or modified bitumen rather than choosing solely on material type.
Related Questions
- Should I repair or replace my commercial roof?
- When is it better to replace a commercial roof rather than repair it?
- How is remaining useful life estimated for a commercial roof?
- What is a roof lifecycle assessment and how does it feed capital planning?
Sources
- U.S. EPA – WARM: Asphalt Shingles
- U.S. EPA – Life Cycle Inventories of End-of-Life Pathways of Construction and Demolition Materials
- U.S. Department of Energy – Cool Asphalt Shingles
- U.S. Department of Energy – Consumer Guide to Cool Roofs
- GAF – Asphalt Shingle Recycling
Last reviewed: October 2026
Related Resources
Review the roof’s current condition, expected remaining service life, maintenance history, and available recycling options before selecting a replacement system.
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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace professional roofing, engineering, environmental, manufacturer, building-code, or regulatory advice.
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