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Home | Building owner | Frequently Asked Questions What is the SpecRight Program? The SpecRight Program, is an National Roofing Contractors Association initiative sponsored by the Roofing Industry Alliance for Progress and supported by the Metal Construction Alliance, North/East Roofing Contractors Association, Polyisocyanurate Manufacturers Association and Roof Consultants Institute. The SpecRight Program raises awareness about the benefits of quality roof systems. Through training and education efforts, the campaign shows roofing contractors, building owners, designers and consultants how quality roof systems can minimize the burden on the environment and conserve energy. The SpecRight Program provides a basic understanding of ASHRAE 90.1 -1999, the energy standard that is the basis of energy-efficient building codes adopted across the U.S. Does the SpecRight Program discuss alternative methods to meeting energy-efficiency standards without increasing the R-value or thickness of roof insulation? Yes. During the SpecRight training, time is devoted to the basic understanding of roof reflectivity and emissivity of various roof coverings and surfacing materials. The program also explains how exceptions to ASHRAE 90.1 can achieve energy efficiency by using highly reflective and emissive roof surfaces. How will the SpecRight Program affect roof system designers and consultants? It will help designers and consultants continue to create architecturally sustainable buildings by providing consistent, thorough information about the standards of quality roof systems. How will the SpecRight Program benefit building owners? In an effort to encourage energy efficiency, the federal government enacted the Energy Policy Act of 2005. One provision of the act provides owners and leaseholders of commercial buildings a deduction for energy-efficient buildings. This provision was codified in IRC Section 179D. Section 179D allows taxpayers to deduct the cost of energy-efficient property installed in commercial buildings. The maximum deduction is up to $1.80 per square foot for a building that achieves a 50 percent energy savings target. Even if a building does not meet the 50 percent threshold, a taxpayer may qualify for a deduction up to 60 cents per square foot if certain energy-saving targets are met. Section 179D applies to buildings placed into service after Dec. 31, 2005, and before Jan. 1, 2008. Eligible buildings include offices, retail buildings, warehouse, rental housing of four stories or more, and publicly owned buildings. New construction on existing buildings is eligible for a portion of the deduction allowed. Why does SpecRight matter? Quality roof systems minimize the burden on the environment and conserve energy. For example, the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimates that if all the buildings in the greater Los Angeles area had light-colored roof systems or reflective roof systems, the total energy- and smog-related savings would be more than $500 million per year. Aren't energy-efficient roof systems expensive? For example, energy savings of about $12,400 are realized when comparing a noninsulated roof assembly of a one-story, 10,000-square-foot, conditioned commercial building in Chicago with the same building featuring an R-15 insulated roof assembly. (Actual energy costs for any given period will vary as a result of factors such as climate, building occupancy, hours of operation and HVAC equipment efficiency.)
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