The construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint in the face of climate change. Nuralite, New Zealand's waterproof membrane leader, has risen to this challenge by offering innovative warm roof systems. The Nuratherm Warm Roof system is designed to provide continuous insulation without thermal breaks to provide long-term energy efficiency solutions.

Minimising greenhouse emissions and embodied carbon 

Nuralite's commitment to sustainability begins with its own operations. In 2018, Nuralite became one of the first building supply companies in New Zealand to achieve Toitū net carbonzero certification. This certification reflects their dedication to reducing CO2 emissions throughout their company and supply chain.

Reducing operational carbon 

Nuralite has implemented several initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint:

• Transitioning to a 100% electric vehicle fleet, saving 50 tonnes of carbon annually 
• Using electric forklifts in warehouses, cutting an additional 5 tonnes of carbon per year 
• Switching to 100% renewable power through Ecotricity, reducing their footprint by 5 tonnes annually 
• Optimising transportation logistics, saving around 5 tonnes of carbon per year 
• Increasing warehouse stock to minimise air freight deliveries, significantly reducing carbon emissions

In addition to addressing their carbon production, Nuralite understands the need to promote more innovative design. For over 16 years, Nuralite has been supplying warm roof systems for both commercial and residential projects across New Zealand. Throughout their sustainability journey, Nuralite has seen the benefits of continuous insulation and how the right insulation provides significantly higher energy and cost savings in the long term.

By providing long-lasting, durable roofing solutions, Nuralite helps minimise the need for frequent replacements, thus lowering the overall carbon footprint of buildings. The Nuratherm Warm Roof system has a service lifespan of 90+ years.

Minimising reliance on the electrical grid 

Thirty-five percent of heat is lost through the roof of an uninsulated house. The superior insulation of a Nuratherm Warm Roof system significantly decreases the energy required for heating and cooling, reducing a building's dependence on the electrical grid. 

Energy efficiency through innovative design 

The system's design allows for the installation of continuous insulation above the substrate, creating a highly efficient insulation blanket that envelopes the entire roof area. This approach not only conserves energy but also enhances the overall R-value of the system, surpassing traditional lofted insulation methods that suffer from thermal bridging.

Alignment with MBIE's Emissions Reduction Plan

Nuralite's warm roof systems directly address the five key focus areas outlined in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment's (MBIE) Emissions Reduction Plan for building and construction:

• Reducing whole-of-life embodied carbon 
• Accelerating the shift to low-carbon buildings 
• Improving building energy efficiency 
• Shifting energy use away from fossil fuels 
• Establishing foundations for future emissions reduction

Versatility and adaptability

Nuralite's warm roof systems offer remarkable versatility and are suitable for both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings. The system can be installed on various substrates, including plywood, concrete and metal, making them ideal for upgrading existing buildings, which are a more carbon-efficient alternative to demolition and new construction. Moreover, flat roofs equipped with Nuralite's systems provide an excellent foundation for further sustainable features such as solar panels for energy production, green roofs for stormwater management or additional usable space with roof decks.

Promoting zero-energy building methods

Nuralite understands that carbon usage in building operations significantly impacts climate footprints and advocates for zero-energy building methods. Warm roofs are vital to designing zero-energy buildings, providing continuous insulation without thermal breaks. These systems are ideal for all properties, including residential and commercial, and can even be installed over existing metal or membrane roofs to substantially improve their energy performance while extending the building's useful life.

Conclusion

One of the biggest changes over the last 15 years has been placing the insulation outside the entire building envelope in similar fashion to the existing Nuratherm Warm Roof to provide a continuous R-Value and ensure that there are minimal thermal breaks. New Zealand is somewhat behind the rest of the world, as in Europe this is now a widespread practice.

By addressing energy efficiency, embodied carbon and long-term sustainability, these solutions not only meet current environmental standards but also set the stage for a more sustainable future in the building and construction industry. As John Simmons, Managing Director of Nuralite, states, "We are committed to helping New Zealand build better. Energy-efficient buildings should be New Zealand's goal, and with our Nuralite warm roof systems and Outright brand, this is totally possible." Nuralite is leading the way in creating a more environmentally friendly construction industry, inspiring others to follow suit.