Green or vegetative roofing is among the ways roofing contractors can offer their customers sustainable roofing options. Photo courtesy of SOPREMA

The demands on commercial roofing systems continue to expand beyond traditional performance metrics, e.g., the necessity for labor-saving installation options, sustainable/durable attributes, and aesthetically pleasing and “smart” options considerations. In 2025, building owners, specifiers, and contractors need solutions that deliver multiple benefits while meeting increasingly complex project requirements.

At SOPREMA, we respond to these industry shifts through innovations that transform rooftops from passive surfaces into valuable assets. Our SBS and APP-modified bitumen ECO₃ membranes surfaced with 3M Smog-Reducing Granules reflect this approach, delivering proven protection while actively working to improve air quality. The unique granule surfacing on these modified bitumen membranes catalytically reacts with sunlight to break down air pollutants from vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions. A single commercial roof installation can offset the pollution from hundreds of cars annually — a significant benefit, especially in urban landscapes.

We have recently expanded this technology to offer the ECO₃ membrane in a traditional white color, addressing multiple market needs simultaneously. Compared with the previous dark grey color, the traditional white surfacing provides better reflectivity, reducing the roof's surface temperature. This innovation gives architects and building owners more options to meet performance requirements and design objectives while maintaining the membrane's smog-reducing properties.

Our sustainable solutions portfolio does not stop with ECO₃. One such complementary system is our SOPRANATURE vegetative roofing line, with a full range of “green” accessories. These systems transform unused roof space into productive environments with measurable benefits, including natural stormwater management and improved building thermal performance. In urban areas where space is at a premium, these living roofs help meet stormwater regulations while providing valuable additional functions.

The strength of these technologies lies in their flexibility – they can work together or independently, allowing building owners to customize solutions based on their specific project requirements and performance goals. A roof combining our ECO₃ white granule surfaced membranes with strategic areas of vegetative roofing maximizes multiple performance metrics, from air quality and stormwater management to thermal efficiency.

When selecting a roofing system today, you are not just choosing a weather barrier; you are investing long-term in environmental performance. We want to ensure that investment delivers value for contractors, specifiers, building owners and the environment.

SOPREMA’s comprehensive approach includes the following:

• Active air pollution reduction through ECO₃ technology using 3M Smog-Reducing Granules
• Natural stormwater management via SOPRANATURE vegetative systems
• Extended product lifecycles that reduce replacement frequency long after the warranty period expires
• Enhancing building energy efficiency
• Manufacturing processes optimized for safety, high quality, and efficiency

As we look toward 2025, building owners, specifiers, and contractors increasingly need solutions that can address multiple challenges simultaneously. There are many innovations that directly respond to labor savings and sustainable requirements while providing the proven real-world performance that has been the hallmarks of SOPREMA products for decades.

As the role of commercial roofing continues to expand, the technologies we are implementing today – from air-purifying membranes to integrated green roof systems – represent a fundamental advancement in roofing functionality. The future of commercial roofing lies in this multi-functional approach, where every component delivers measurable benefits while maintaining superior building protection. Our ongoing global investment in research and development ensures that we will continue developing solutions that address emerging market needs.

At SOPREMA, we are Building for Life.