Fossil Fuel (Materials) & COVID-19
There is NO Denying the FACTS! We can all have opinions, but there is NO SUCH THING AS HAVING YOUR OWN FACTS!
It is now time for us to do a self-analysis of what we do, how we do it and why? You may not like what is said, but there is no denying the “truth about our current situation”.
Science is now agreed that Fossil Fuels (materials) are a Precondition for COVID – 19. Below is a culmination of Science Data and Facts as to why we are going through this unprecedented time.
Very few of us can relate to the experience of World War II. That generation is quickly disappearing. Today the average age is 92 years old. Not since that time have, we all faced such an enemy like COVID – 19. The difference being is that it is invisible! So, there must a different approach to conquering it.
You will see below that the conversation is now talking about the next COVID-20 or 21 or 22?
Why is this the case? If we (all humankind) do not make changes it will happen again. That is not an option. This Province has been dominating in using “open flame, torch on” more than any other jurisdiction in North America. What has happened? The Insurance rates for those who make the choice to use is climbing and, in some cases, it is making companies change course because of the cost.
Do you think that you are going to continue using 100 Fossil Fuel based roofing products for the next 2, 5, 10 years?
Look at the fire situation in BC. Hundreds of millions of dollars have happened on a scale NEVER seen before. “Open flame, Torch On” have contributed Billions and Billions of dollars of destruction of buildings and properties and in some cases deaths. In BC, in the past 10 years over 400 million dollars of damage has occurred.
Both the American Roofing Association and Ontario Roofing Associations came out against “torch on, open flame” last fall. In fact, the City of New York BANNED it in 2000, as they were experiencing 35 fires a year.
The favourite comment made by Roofing Contractors is “we do what is specked”. Does that excuse you from making a change for the better? Why are you NOT letting Architects, Engineers, Developers, Property Management and General Contractors know? I have done over 60 Lunch & Learns and doing multiple Online Presentations educating on the dangers of “Open Flame, Torch On. Do you have a part to play in this? I think you know the answer to that. I am available to do presentations with anyone who would like to.
This must change. What you are installing is flawed, does not last for any length of time, it is inferior to many other alternatives. And most of all, there are NO SUSTAINABILITY WHATSOEVER IN ITS USE AND APPLICATION. That previous statement has originated with over 60 Specifiers I have spoken with, not me. In fact, we all have heard of the “Heat Island Effect” which is rampant in BC.
Who is responsible for shoving this product down your throats? A lot of the blame must be directed to building envelope consultants. I know this to be so, as I have spoken to so many of them.
There are aggressive efforts by the large roofing manufacturers to influence End Users, Institutions, Governments and Associations. Check out their websites, especially the Associations to see what they say about how they are being Sustainable. If they are not, then it behoves you to ask why not? The time is now to start changing that!
As an Industry, Roofing Contractors are at the forefront of doing damage to the Environment, Not conserving on Energy, being Green. Do you like to be included in that group? Ask your children and grandchildren about what you do and how you do it and if they think that is a good thing for the Earth? Don’t sugar coat, tell them!
We are not saying to leave or get out of this essential service. I have come to know and meet hundreds of roofers and you are an outstanding example of building smarts, hard work, dedication, early risers and generous individuals.
Start taking control of your industry. In the US 80 % of the roofing decisions are made by roofers! This is WHAT YOU DO! And you are damn good at it! Folks, when we reopen, NOTHING Is going to be the same. The way we do business is NOW DEAD. If you would like to learn how to become an ELITE Roofer and grow your business and be more profitable, then let’s talk! Facts and Science can’t be adjusted to fit what you do or think.
Listed below is irrefutable evidence that speaks not only of NOW, but what will come next if we DO NOT MAKE CHANGES. I don’t think you will read it all, but I wanted you to know that the time for a change and the time for action is TODAY.
I recently learned the origin of this statement; There are only 3 things that we can do. “Lead, Follow or Get out of the Way”.
WHAT IS YOUR SENSE OF URGENCY? What I know is that you will be motivated to do the right thing!
https://qz.com/1839281/how-fossil-fuels-propel-covid-19-and-the-next-pandemic/
https://www.power-technology.com/comment/covid-19-outbreak-impact-fossil-fuel/
https://news.umich.edu/environmental-impacts-of-the-pandemic-u-m-experts-can-discuss/
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/05/16/how-will-life-change-if-we-transition-away-from-fossil-fuels/