If you’re planning a roof replacement, you’re probably already asking the big questions: How long will it last? How much will it cost? What style works best with my home?
But here’s another question—one that’s becoming increasingly important for homeowners everywhere, including right here in Lee’s Summit:
What impact will this roof have on the environment?
We’re living in a time where sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. And that means more and more homeowners are exploring eco-friendly roofing options that not only look great and perform well but also help reduce their home’s environmental footprint.
At Brewster Roofing, we’ve been helping homeowners make smarter choices about their roofs since 1964. And while materials and technology have changed a lot in the past 60 years, our mission remains the same: quality you can count on, with integrity at the core.
So if you’re curious about environmentally safe roof choices or you’re wondering how to create a more energy-efficient home, this guide is for you.
Let’s break down the best green roofing materials available today—and how they can benefit both your home and the planet.
1. Why Go Green with Your Roof?
The Value of Sustainable Roof Options for Homeowners
When most people think of “going green,” they think of solar panels, LED lightbulbs, or reusable grocery bags. Roofing doesn’t always make the list.
But your roof is one of the largest surfaces on your home—and it plays a major role in heat retention, energy usage, and stormwater runoff. Choosing a sustainable roof option can dramatically reduce your energy bills, improve your home’s comfort, and even qualify you for tax credits or incentives.
You don’t have to sacrifice durability or curb appeal, either. Today’s eco-friendly roofing solutions are just as beautiful and long-lasting as their traditional counterparts.
So why go green? Here are just a few benefits:
- Lower utility bills with energy saving roofs
- Reduced carbon emissions from your household
- Less material waste in landfills
- Potential rebates or insurance discounts
- A smaller footprint for future generations
Let’s explore the most popular environmentally safe roof choices available to homeowners today.
2. Cool Roofs
Reflect Heat, Lower Bills
Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than standard roofing materials. The result? A cooler home and lower energy costs during hot Missouri summers.
These roofs are often made of highly reflective shingles, tiles, or coatings. They’re an ideal choice for homes in sunny climates—or homes in Lee’s Summit that see their fair share of warm weather.
Benefits of cool roofs:
- Lower cooling costs by up to 20%
- Extend the lifespan of your roof due to less heat stress
- May qualify for energy-efficiency tax credits
At Brewster Roofing, we offer reflective shingles from brands like TAMKO and GAF that meet ENERGY STAR® standards and perform beautifully over time.
3. Metal Roofing
Long Lifespan Meets High Recyclability
If you’re thinking about green roofing materials, metal should definitely be on your radar.
Metal roofs—especially those made from recycled steel or aluminum—are incredibly durable, often lasting 40–70 years. They’re fully recyclable at the end of their life, and they reflect solar heat naturally, making them excellent energy saving roofs.
Even better? Many metal roofing options can be installed over an existing roof, reducing landfill waste during your remodel.
Key perks:
- Made from 25–95% recycled content
- Fully recyclable at end of life
- Lightweight and long-lasting
- Excellent heat reflection properties
Our Decra stone-coated steel and standing seam metal roofs are not only eco-friendly—they’re stylish, strong, and designed to perform in all weather conditions.
4. Recycled Shingles
Reuse What We Already Have
Another way to embrace eco-friendly roofing is to choose materials that are already in circulation. Recycled shingles are made from reclaimed rubber, plastic, or wood fiber, and are crafted to look like traditional asphalt or slate.
These sustainable roof options reduce the demand for raw materials and keep waste out of landfills. While not as widely used as metal or asphalt shingles, recycled materials are gaining traction among homeowners who want a truly green solution.
Highlights of recycled shingles:
- Made from post-consumer or post-industrial waste
- Designed to mimic traditional styles
- Offer strong durability and UV resistance
At Brewster Roofing, we can source these options and guide you through their pros and cons based on your home’s structure and style.
5. Solar-Ready Roofs
A Step Toward Renewable Energy
If you’re not ready for solar panels just yet—but may consider them in the future—now’s a great time to choose roofing materials that support solar integration down the road.
Some energy saving roofs are designed to support the additional weight and wiring of solar panels, or can be paired with solar shingles for an all-in-one upgrade.
Planning ahead today means avoiding expensive retrofits later.
Ask about:
- Roof pitch and solar orientation
- Materials that optimize energy transfer
- Warranties that still apply when solar is added
While we don’t install solar panels directly, we work with solar-ready materials and can coordinate with your solar provider to ensure your roof supports long-term renewable energy goals.
6. Sustainable Asphalt Shingles
Yes—Asphalt Can Be Greener, Too
You might be surprised to learn that even traditional asphalt shingles have come a long way. Many modern asphalt shingles now feature recycled content, reflective coatings, and improved durability—making them a more eco-conscious choice than older versions.
Plus, since asphalt remains the most common roofing material in Lee’s Summit and across the U.S., using a more sustainable version makes a big impact at scale.
Eco-friendly asphalt shingle benefits:
- Recycled material content
- UV-reflective granules
- Long lifespan and storm resistance
We work with top brands like GAF, TAMKO, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning—all of which offer more sustainable roofing lines that meet both performance and planet-minded goals.
Brewster Roofing: Helping Lee’s Summit Go Green, One Roof at a Time
Whether you’re looking for an energy efficient upgrade, aiming to reduce your environmental impact, or just want a roof that’ll last without compromise, Brewster Roofing is here to help.
We’ve guided thousands of homeowners toward smart roofing decisions that balance sustainability, performance, and budget.
Here’s what makes us different:
- Access to top eco-friendly roofing products from trusted manufacturers
- Decades of experience in roofing system design and installation
- Honest, straightforward guidance with your goals in mind
- A commitment to quality—and to the communities we serve
Eco-conscious doesn’t have to mean complicated. We make it easy to explore environmentally safe roof choices that truly work for your home.
Ready to Go Green with Your Roof?
If you’re ready to explore sustainable roof options or simply want to learn more about what’s possible with green roofing materials, let’s talk.
Call us at (816) 779-7200 in Missouri or (913) 915-5234 in Kansas. You can also email us at Customer@BrewsterGC.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the most energy efficient roofing options for your specific home and help you make a decision you’ll feel good about—now and years down the road.
At Brewster Roofing, we believe a better roof is better for everyone—including the planet.
