RCMA and NSF International Develop First Product Category Rule (PCR) for Roof Coatings in North America

The Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA) and NSF International have created the first product category rule (PCR) in North America for roof coating materials.

PCRs enable product environmental information to be more transparent and useful to the marketplace. Products covered in this PCR include fluid-applied and adhered coatings used for roof maintenance or roof repair, or as a component of a roof covering system or roof assembly.  

Based on international environmental management guidelines (ISO 14025), a PCR defines how to conduct a life cycle assessment for a particular product group and what to include in the resulting report. A life-cycle assessment measures inputs, outputs and environmental impacts of a product across its lifespan. The environmental product declaration (EPD) is the third-party-verified report that explains the data generated from a life cycle assessment. What is included in the EPD is also defined by the PCR.

The NSF International National Center for Sustainability Standards (NCSS) utilized an open consultative process to develop the PCR with participation from an expert panel of RCMA members, suppliers, regulatory agencies, environmental organizations and end users.  RCMA is the leading industry voice promoting the benefits of roof coatings and representing manufacturers of asphaltic and solar reflective roof coatings as well as suppliers to the roof coatings industry. 

“This product category rule developed by RCMA and NSF International provides our industry a much needed guideline for calculating and reporting the environmental attributes of roof coatings,” said Jim Kirby, Executive Director of RCMA. “The subsequent life cycle analyses developed by our members using the PCR can provide a basis for improvement to enable reductions in environmental impacts over time. We look forward to the positive impact this will have on the industry and those seeking more sustainable building products.”

“As a manufacturer participating in the PCR development, we support our industry in providing more transparent and science-based information to our customers,” said Douglas P. Mazeffa, Environmental Project Manager at Sherwin Williams. “Our company is committed to helping customers make informed, environmentally-based purchasing decisions.” 

“Industries benefit from NSF International’s open and transparent standards development process that was used to develop the first PCR in North America for roof coating materials,” said Jessica Slomka, Manager of the NSF International National Center for Sustainability Standards. “By engaging RCMA members and other stakeholders, we help ensure the most significant environmental impacts in the life cycle of a product are represented. The result is a defined set of rules that enable comparative data to be gathered and reported in a standardized fashion. This is crucial in helping builder’s source products that meet their environmental goals.”

Verified environmental product declarations (EPDs) as defined by this PCR may help building projects qualify for points through the LEED v4 Material and Resource credits and comply with the International Green Construction Code (IgCC)    

About RCMA: RCMA is the national trade association representing manufacturers of asphaltic and solar reflective roof coatings and the suppliers to the roof coatings industry. RCMA and the Reflective Roof Coatings Institute (RRCI) have merged into one industry association that continues to advance, promote, and expand the national and international market for roof coatings through education, outreach, technical advancement, and advocacy. For more information on RCMA activities, programs, and initiatives, please visit us at www.roofcoatings.org.

About NSF International: NSF International (nsf.org) is a global independent organization that develops standards, and tests and certifies products to these standards for the water, food, health sciences and consumer goods industries to minimize adverse health effects and protect the environment. Founded in 1944, NSF is committed to protecting human health and safety worldwide. Operating in more than 165 countries, NSF International is a Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center on Food Safety, Water Quality and Indoor Environment. 

NSF International’s Sustainability Division offers a range of standardized and proprietary methods of measuring sustainability for organizations, products, processes, supply chains and services. Through its National Center for Sustainability Standards, NSF International has created PCRs, verified EPDS and developed animal welfare and sustainability standards for product categories such as down, chemicals, building products and materials, and water quality. NSF International works with leading regulators, scientists, engineers, public health and environmental health professionals, and industry representatives to develop these transparent, science-based standards, protocols, and product category rules.